WORLD PREMIERE OF “BLOODLINES”

At Center Stage Theatre March 15 – 24

(Santa Barbara, CA) Look out Vagina Monologues - here comes “BLOODLINES”! Sexy, provocative, funny, prickly, controversial and compassionate will be just some of the words you’re likely to use to describe your experience at the world premiere of Lisa Citore’s “BLOODLINES.” Opening on March 15 at Center Stage Theatre in the Paseo Nuevo Mall for two weekends through March 24. “BLOODLINES” is a unique spoken word and dance piece about 13 women’s stories from around the world woven together and focusing on how menstrual blood is a unifying element for all women. Inspired to write “BLOODLINES” for her eleven-year-old daughter, the theatre-piece believes menstrual periods should be celebrations, rather than curses. Dancing barefoot in the light of the full moon, Lisa’s daughters’ first moon was celebrated with gifts coming from family & friends across the globe. She wondered, “what if every young woman could have that same positive experience?” Performance on Thursday, March 15 is a low-priced preview, with Friday, March 16 as the official opening at 8 p.m.

“My vision for BLOODLINES is to create a new consciousness around women’s blood, sexuality and bodies that is loving, honoring and celebrating. Riding on the success of “The Vagina Monologues,” and “Menopause: The Musical” I see an audience ripe for BLOODLINES,” she said. Lisa had experienced horrendous menstrual cramps throughout her life. She said smiling, “My body must be trying to tell to tell me something with it screaming so loud each month.” Then, Lisa was diagnosed with cervical cancer and a deeper exploration began. Women will laugh, cry and never bleed the same again. Men will get a glimpse into a secret corridor of woman usually forbidden to them.

Directed and written by Citore, “BLOODLINES” features the work of actresses Sam Muir, Megwyn White, Cornelia Corbett, and dancers Heather Shea, Holly Freyja, and Joanne Terry. Costumes are by Ellen McBride Sheppard, lighting design by Maggie Mixsell, Production Manager is Elvi Morris. Magdalene Women Productions, recently formed by Lisa Citore especially for this show, will use all original music. Recorded with thanks to these musicians who improvised all the music: Sham Singh on Eastern Harp (India); Rion Beauregard on Didgeridoo (Australia), also Male throat singer (Asia); Ishamiel and Gabe Lounsbury on Djembe, Hang Drum and Djun Djuns (Africa); Laura Hackstein plays Violin; Peter Manchak on Sarod (India); Thea Rae Altman (singer on Peruvian chant), Ishmiel and Gabe Lounsbury playing Shekere and Rattles (Africa); Peter Haley on GuZheng (Asia), as well as Drums, Cymbals and Synthesizer; Vince Chafin on Bass Guitar and Native American Flute; Rebecca Kleinman on Flute. Soundtrack editing by Peter Haley.

“BLOODLINES” plays on Thursday, March 15 with a low priced preview at 8 p.m. -- all tickets are $10.; Grand Opening is Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m.; Sat.17^th @ 8 p.m.; Sunday 18^th, matinee @ 2 p.m.; Wed. March 21^st through Saturday March 24^th @ 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 students/seniors with General admission at $25. Center Stage Theatre is located in the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center in the heart of downtown. Box Office hours are Wednesday – Saturday 12 noon – 5 p.m. and one hour prior to all shows.

Early Bird Special: Purchase tickets before Feb. 28 and get $5 off!

If purchasing on the day of show, please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to curtain. Purchase by phone with Visa, MasterCard, American Express (805) 963-0408 (V / TDD) or online http://www.centerstagetheater.org/.

Center Stage Theater and Magdelene Women are members of the Santa Barbara Performing Arts League. www.sbperformingartsleague.org.

www.bloodlinestheplay.com www.centerstagetheater.org