FreshINK readings of “Cupid,” “Final Bow” Feb. 22-

FreshINK, Parkside Theater's staged reading series, presents the original plays "Cupid, Stung by a Bee" by Anne Walaszek and Michael Zimmermann's "Final Bow" for three performances Feb. 22-24. Directed by Lisa Kornetsky, readings begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Studio A of the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities, 900 Wood Rd. in Kenosha.

A 2012 Theatre Arts graduate, Walaszek's play is an adaptation of the Cupid and Psyche myth. Cupid kidnaps the beautiful Psyche then abandons her until she proves herself worthy of his love. Walaszek has a love-hate relationship with the story.

"I love the first half of this story; it's quirky and strange and leaves room for interesting dialogue. I hate the second half of this story. So, in my adaptation, Psyche realizes what true love is and abandons her quest."

Walaszek took the title from a Benjamin West painting that depicts Venus comforting Cupid after he suffers a bee-sting.

Zimmermann, a current Theatre Arts major, explores group dynamics in "Final Bow." The play is based on the Chicago improvisational comedy act that was the forerunner to "The Second City" and that sparked the careers of Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Shelley Berman.

"[Final Bow] draws mostly on my obsession with the 1950's improv troupe 'The Compass Players.' It explores my ideas on the art of improvisation and studies the interpersonal conflicts that always inevitably force groups of friends apart," Zimmermann explained.

During a staged reading, actors may refer to their scripts. There are no special sets or costumes, and props are kept to a minimum allowing the audience to concentrate on the words and emotions being expressed.   

Performances of Anne Walaszek's "Cupid, Stung by a Bee" and Michael Zimmermann's "Final Bow" are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 262-595-2457.