Corwin's "The Rivalry" kicks off L.A. Theatre Works' season

Oscar nominees Paul Giamatti and David Straithairn co-star in the L.A. Theatre Works production of writer in residence Norman Corwin's (pictured, right) play The Rivalry about the Abraham Lincoln-Stephen A. Douglas debates from Oct.15-19 at the Skirball Cultural Center.

"With The Rivalry, Norman Corwin demonstrates once again his instinct for things timeless and quintessentially American," said Eric Simonson, Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and director of The Rivalry. "The themes of this play resonate beyond its setting, 1858, and the time it was written, 1958. Race, states' rights versus federal interests, and the very nature of our political culture are all played out in exciting, dramatic and contemporary ways. It's a play that speaks to our national identity."

Giamatti and Straithairn play the roles of Douglas and Lincoln, respectively.

Press notes for The Rivalry read: "The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 tackled the day's most passionate issue - slavery. Taken directly from the transcripts, The Rivalry recreates the face off between Abraham Lincoln, rising Illinois legislator and abolitionist candidate of the newly formed Republican party, and Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic incumbent and champion of states' rights. The series of seven debates that took place in seven Congressional districts were conducted in a fever of partisanship as the nation listened. Brass bands played, and the press vilified or glorified the opponents, depending on which side they took."

The Rivalry will be recorded live for later broadcast on satellite and public radio worldwide.

In the play — which The New York Times called "Evocative, inspiring and stirring theater" — Mary Douglas, wife of famed U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas, witnesses the great Lincoln-Douglas debates. Mary is so beguiled by the then virtually unknown, persuasive Abraham Lincoln that she questions the public's blind devotion to her husband over the burning issue of slavery.

The Rivalry originally opened in Vancouver, Canada in 1958 and then toured the Eastern United States before opening on Broadway on February 12, 1959 (Lincoln's birthday). "For substance and originality, it would be difficult to improve on Norman Corwin's 'The Rivalry,' wrote Brooks Atkinson in his review. "In every respect, 'The Rivalry' is a stirring piece of work."

Details:
Performed at The Skirball Cultural Center
2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90049
Showtimes: Wed., Thurs., and Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2:30 p.m. and Sun. at 4 p.m.
Admission: $20-$48
Call (310) 827-0889 or visit www.latw.org/ for more details