Merrimack Repertory Theatre's first production of 2006 will be the award winning "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage.

A touching romance, "Intimate Apparel" is the heart-wrenching story of Esther, an African-American seamstress living in turn-of-the-20th-century, immigrant New York. Esther struggles to support herself and fulfill her dreams while sewing corsets for both ladies of means and women of ill repute. "Intimate Apparel" will be presented from February 9 through March 5 at Liberty Hall in downtown Lowell.

Nottage's inspiration for the main character was her great-grandmother, a seamstress who arrived alone in New York City in 1902 and began writing to a man who was working on the Panama Canal. From this starting point, she weaves a detailed account of social mores and class barriers through the interplay of four women from different races and cultural standings. Love and longing bring the characters together in this captivating tale of self-discovery and empowerment.

This evocative portrait of immigrant life and women's roles is an appropriate story to have its regional premiere in Lowell. The rich local history of textile craftsmen and mill girls in the work force has many parallels to the struggles the characters in "Intimate Apparel." Performances also coincide with Lowell Women's Week (March 4-7), which celebrates strong, dedicated working women.

MRT is presenting "Intimate Apparel" in co-production with Virginia Stage Company.

For information and tickets, call 978-454-3926, stop by the box office at 50 E. Merrimack Street in Lowell or visit www.merrimackrep.org.

-- OnStage Boston

02/09/06

 

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