Rust Belt Theater Company celebrates fifth anniversary

The Rust Belt Theater Company will celebrate its fifth anniversary season by staging “Electra” on Aug. 23, 29 and 30 each night at 8 p.m.

Adapted by Robert Dennick Joki, from the writings of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus, “Electra” was the first play produced by the Rust Belt Theater Company for its inaugural season.

“The show is back with a vengeance. Conspiracy, revenge, betrayal, murder.... It’s the perfect way to end the summer. I wrote the show in 2009 for Terri MacSkimming to play the title character. Finding a venue for this production was one of the reasons I founded the Rust Belt Theater Company in the first place, so it’s only fitting to bring the show back for our fifth season,” said Robert Dennick Joki.

“Electra,” based on the ancient Greek myth, tells the story of the aftermath of the Trojan War and its effect on the progeny of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. It’s a dramatic story of conspiracy and manipulation as family members fight to decide who will control the throne of Atreus.

MacSkimming will be joined by Molly Galano, who is portraying Electra’s scheming, murderous mother, Clytemnestra, and Kage Coven, who will play Orestes, the prodigal son. Bernadette Lim joins the cast as Chrysothemis, the middle sister who struggles to decide where her loyalties lie. Other cast members include David Cirelli, Mary M. James, Marisa Zamary, Leah Trickett and Rachel Clifford.

To celebrate the anniversary of the theater company, there will also be free ticket drawings each night of the performance. Audience members will have an opportunity to win complimentary tickets to see upcoming productions of “Alice: A Curious Musical,” “Living Dead,” and “How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas.”

The Rust Belt Theater Company is dedicated to producing challenging, experimental, locally written, live theater, empowering artists, and promoting social change in the greater Youngstown area. The theater is located in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Avenue, just outside of downtown Youngstown. Tickets are $15 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 330-507-2358.