August 10, 2009 – San Jose, CA — The Quo Vadis Theatre Company will present the production of “Margaret of Castello,” at the Hoover Theatre. The production is written by Cathal Gallagher, directed by Bob Rumsby, and is produced in conjunction with San Jose Youth Shakespeare. Performances will be held October 8 through the 18.
The play follows the inspirational yet short life of Margaret of Castello, who was born blind and disfigured in 1287. From a wealthy Florentine family, Margaret was isolated in a cell during most of her childhood. At the age of twenty she was abandoned at a shrine in Umbria, Italy. When street beggars took her in, Margaret found her way to a convent and became an inspiration to those around her, visiting prisoners and helping the sick and dying. After her death at the age of only 33, Margaret was made a patron saint for the unwanted and abandoned.
“Margaret’s story is rich with irony, humor, passion and includes a profound acceptance of humanity, no matter physical condition or status,” states Cathal Gallagher, playwright for the Quo Vadis Theatre. “This was a story I felt had to be told.”
“This is an opportunity for some of our young actors and actresses to work on a modern play with a classic theme,” said San Jose Youth Shakespeare Artistic Director Bob Rumsby. “They will find a new kind of challenge in telling this touching story of a heroic young girl who helped others despite her own disabilities and great suffering.”
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“Margaret’s life suggests that every human being has a purpose. Every human being has worth,” adds Gallagher.
Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for students / seniors and can be purchased by calling (408) 252-3530. The Hoover Theatre is located at 1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, 95126.
