Photography by: ©Michael B. Lloyd

Primal Forces explores today’s cultural divide with the provocative play, Communion by Daniel MacIvor. The GLAAD-winning production features a lesbian psychiatrist, an alcoholic and her evangelical daughter who form a tense triangle. MacIvor’s examination of women in modern-day society stars Jacqueline Laggy, Kim Ostrenko and Jenna Wyatt and is directed by Keith Garsson. Communion opens January 24, 2018 at Empire Stage.

The distance between recovering alcoholic Leda and her Born-Again daughter is filled with silence, anger and humor. Upon the advice of a therapist dealing with her own host of troubles, Leda tries to bridge that distance and prepare her daughter for the calamity just ahead. Communion explores the dark places of relations and what is needed to repair a familial bond under the pressures of religion, recovery and a ticking clock.

“This play explores whether or not some bonds are too damaged to mend,” explains Garsson. “Communion parallels much of what we are experiencing in today’s society as the divisiveness in our nation is played out in families across the country. So, can we find common ground and repair the damage that has been done? Is what bonds us stronger than what divides us? This theme along with the intense mother/daughter relationship and the acceptance of sexuality are also interwoven throughout.”

Daniel MacIvor (Playwright): In New York, writer of Marion Bridge: Urban Stages; writer/director of A Beautiful View: The Public Theatre Under the Radar Festival; writer/performer of Monster, Here Lies Henry, and writer/performer/director of In On It: PS 122; writer of Never Swim Alone (Overall Best of Fringe), and His Greatness: New York Fringe Festival; writer of The Soldier Dreams: Theatre East. He is the recipient of an OBIE Award and a GLADD Award. Daniel has often performed at the Wexner Center at OSU and at the Spoletto Festival in South Carolina.

Communion by Daniel MacIvor
January 24—February 11, 2018; Thu & Fri at 8pm, Sat at 7pm, Sun at 2pm
OPENING NIGHT: Friday, January 26;
Tickets: $30 www.primalforces.com
Empire Stage is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale 33304