For Immediate Release

Contact: Elizabeth Naranjo at (786) 282-7779

Fresco Productions and the University of Miami Present

Odysseus Died from AIDS

The New York International Fringe Festival-FringeNYC

A production of The Present Company

August 13^th-29^th

All Tickets: $15. For tickets visit www.FringeNYC.org or call

In New York: (212) 279-4488 or Outside New York: 1-888-FringeNYC

Fresco Productions and The University of Miami will premiere Odysseus Died from AIDS by Stephen Svoboda as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, August 13^th – 29^th.

Odysseus Died from AIDS protagonist, Elliot Hayes, has been HIV positive for ten years when he suddenly finds himself hospitalized with a terminal opportunistic infection.  The new, chaotic world of the hospital forces Elliot to retreat into a fantasy world where he casts himself as Odysseus, recruits his crew of fellow patients, and morphs his experiences into Odysseus’s adventures. In this Odyssey meets Cuckoo’s Nest theatrical fantasia, Elliot Hayes voyages to discover the humor and heroism in the horror of living terminal.

Odysseus Died from AIDS features an ensemble cast including John Bixler, most recently seen in Master Harold and the Boys at Miami’s Gables Stage, Lindsey Erdahl, Brett Freedman of the upcoming feature film Life Decisions, Christian Mansfield, Maha McCain, Randall Pollard, Ariana Shore, and making his New York début Adam Perabo, a 2004 Graduate of Ohio University and the younger brother of movie star Piper Perabo.

Playwright-Director-Producer Stephen Svoboda is a Professor at the University of Miami as are designers Michiko Kitayama and Micheal Foster. Kitayama’s Costume Design and Foster’s Lighting Design for Woyzeck was a USA entry in the Prague Quadrennial; International Design Competition, 2003.

Fresco Productions Inc. is a non-profit organization paving the way for new theatre in South Florida. Their landmark bilingual production of A Cuban Christmas Carol by Vincent J. Cardinal launched the company in 2003 with popular acclaim and critical appreciation. Fresco strives to diversify and enhance the artistic community of Miami while nurturing new talent and developing new works.

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