Much about our world premiere of Robert Schenkkan’s riveting new play, Building the Wall, has been unprecedented. The swiftness we’re bringing this urgent work to the stage, the national attention the timely new play is generating even before opening, the constellation of theaters across the country already interested in producing the play after the Fountain premiere on March 18.
Equally extraordinary is the support the production has received from our own Fountain Family. For the first time in the Fountain’s twenty-seven year history, the majority of the production budget for the entire 10-week run of Building the Wall is secure prior to Opening Night. Thanks to the generous support of three phenomenal women: Karen Kondazian, Barbara Herman and Susan Stockel. The trio share a passion for theatre and a commitment to social action. They now serve Building the Wall as Executive Producers.
Karen Kondazian
Karen Kondazian is an award-winning actor, author and producer. She has starred in many productions at the Fountain, has guest starred in over 50 television shows and is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her novel The Whip has received several awards including best historical fiction.
“I wasn’t able to join the Women’s March,“ explains Karen. “So I protest by supporting extraordinary Art. Robert Schenkkan’s Building the Wall is precisely that. He reveals brilliantly and artfully the nightmare of what might be, then peels away layers until we understand the nightmare of what actually will be, if we do not heed the warning.”
Barbara Herman
Barbara Herman was born and educated in Los Angeles. She is actively involved in the successful business established with her late husband. Barbara is an enthusiastic supporter of local culture, including the Fountain Theatre, the Broad Stage, and the Women’s Guild at Cedars Sinai.
“The Fountain Theatre stands out,” she says, “for its innovative approach to offering fresh, socially relevant plays. Building the Wall is a most timely effort to help illuminate what we, the public, are facing in today’s political climate. I am honored to support the Fountain Theatre’s world premiere production of this play.”
Susan Stockel
Susan Stockel was born in New York. She raised her family in California and practiced law. She is now a community activist, world traveler, and lover of the spoken word.
“I am a theatre addict,” she admits. “Good theatre is about telling stories. A strong, well-written and well-acted story binds us to one another and can provide the connection that leads to action. I knew I would support Building the Wall as soon as I read it. This play must be produced now and staged across the country. As Robert Schenkkan has said, ‘We cannot hope to be useful if we can’t respond until 18 months after the fact.’ Yes, we need to move fast. And we have. I am proud to help.”
“The Fountain Theatre deeply thanks Karen, Barbara and Susan for their exceptional generosity and friendship, ” says Co-Artistic Director Stephen Sachs. “Their contribution to Building the Wall has given this important world premiere at the Fountain Theatre the strong foundation it needs as we launch it nationwide.”
With the support of these three remarkable women, the Fountain Theatre is inaugurating a new funding program, the Artistic Directors Circle, offering theater-loving individuals the opportunity to underwrite Fountain Theatre productions throughout the 2017-18 season. If you’re interested in joining the Circle and learn more about its many benefits, please contact Barbara Goodhill (323) 663-1525 x307 Barbara@fountaintheatre.com
