GROENER AND CHISHOLM TO STAR IN FUGARD’S THE "TRAIN DRIVER" AT LONG WHARF THEATRE

Harry Groener and Anthony Chisholm will perform in Athol Fugard’s “The Train Driver,” directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein, playing on Long Wharf Theatre’s Mainstage from Oct. 27-Nov. 21.

Based on a true story, Fugard’s newest play mines the depths and complications of the human heart. Roelf Visagie (Groener) wanders the graveyards of Port Elizabeth, searching among the unnamed ones for the final, nondescript resting place of a young woman he unintentionally killed. When Roelf looks for answers, he encounters a mysterious gravedigger named Simon (Chisholm) who guides him towards tenuous and troubled understanding. Based on a real life incident, the play explores guilt in post-apartheid South Africa, continuing the theatre’s long and fruitful association with the master playwright. “The Train Driver is the culmination of Athol’s career to this point and he describes it as such. The play is an example of the central challenge, from Athol’s point of view, of race in South Africa,” Edelstein said.

Groener was nominated for three Tony Awards for his Broadway performances in Crazy for You, Cats, and Oklahoma! He numbers among his many stage appearances King Lear (as the title character), The Fantasticks, Spamalot, Sunday in the Park with George, and Harrigan and Hart. His film work includes About Schmidt, Road to Perdition, Patch Adams, Amistad and Brubaker. Groener appeared in many television series including a regular role in “Dear John.” Chisholm appeared on Broadway in August Wilson’s Radio Golf (Tony Award-nomination), Gem of the Ocean, and Two Trains Running. He also appeared Off-Broadway in Wilson’s Jitney, receiving Drama Desk and Obie awards for his performance. He starred in the television series “Oz” and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work in “100 Centre Street.” He has also appeared in the films Reign Over Me and Beloved, among many others. Both actors are making their Long Wharf Theatre debut.

For more information about the show and the 2010-11 Long Wharf Theatre season, visit the new www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.