Synopsis: Written long before 9/11, the Patriot Act, the new Pope and the current immigration debate, this play explores the ways we protect our political and human borders. Barker's prophetic drama imagines a country facing invasion. Praxis the Queen enlists the Genius Riddler to devise a strategy to protect their threatened culture, but is the sacrifice too much?

Cast:
Kathleen Chalfant .... Genius Riddler
David Strathairn .... Seemore

Notes:
• This was the first reading for A Hard Heart and was an in-house reading, not performed to the general public. The play would go on to be produced at Epic Theatre Center from October - December, 2007.
• David has been an avid supporter of the Epic Theatre Center since its conception. He previously starred in the premiere productions of their plays Hannah and Martin and Beauty On the Vine, as well as several stage readings.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
(David On His Role:)
• [on co-star Kathleen Chalfant] "What Kathy affects is that she has an understanding of a play itself but also accesses something else--she infuses the character with something evocative of a universality--and it gives the play more breadth. Maybe that's how her social and political commitment is present in her acting after all." -David Strathairn, 2007

Related Links:
Epic Theatre Center (off site)