The Promise, by Douglas Maxwell, at 59e59

59E59 Theaters welcomes Random Accomplice and the Scottish Government as part of Scotland Week with the US premiere of Douglas Maxwell's The Promise, directed by Johnny McKnight.

The play opens at 59E59's Theater B on 3 Apr 2011, following previews from 29 Mar and closing on 17 Apr 2011.

Inspired by true events, The Promise tells the story of Maggie Brodie (played by Joanna Tope), a retired teacher who has been dragged back to her local primary school for a reluctant day of substitute teaching. Her craving for alcohol is strong and her opinion of her colleagues is rock bottom, so it's going to be a tough day. Then there's Rosie, a six year old Somalian girl who refuses to speak. Community leaders believe she is possessed and are on their way to start her 'treatment.' But Maggie, surprised by her connection to this girl, knows they are wrong. So wrong, that she is going to have to take drastic action.

The Promise combines a soundtrack by Karen MacIver with integrated projections by Tim Reid. With set and costume design by Lisa Sangster and lighting design by Dave Shea.

Joanna Tope (Maggie Brodie) is one of Scotland's leading stage actresses. She obtained a degree in Drama at Manchester University under the watchful eye of Stephen Joseph who invited her to join his Theatre in the Round Company in Scarborough where she created the role of 'Ginny' in Alan Ayckbourn's 'Relatively Speaking.' Ten years of non-stop work followed with seasons at Pitlochry, Lincoln Theatre Royal in Philip Hedley's renowned company, Birmingham Repertory with Peter Dews, Manchester Stables Company and the Northcott at Exeter with Jane Howell. Highlishts in er career include 'Bingo' at the Royal Court with Sir John Gielgud and 'Glorious Miles' at The Crucible in Sheffield. After moving to Scotland her work for the Citizens Theatre, including 'Oedipus,' 'A Taste of Honey,' 'Peer Gynt' and 'Cheri.' she has starred at The Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh in 'Death of a Salesman,' 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Dangerous Liaisons.' She appeared in' Frozen' for Rapture Theatre and 'Wit' for Stellar Quines.

Douglas Maxwell (playwright) 2010 saw three new plays tour Scotland: 'Promises Promises' for Random Accomplice; 'The Miracle Man' for the National Theatre of Scotland and a musical for Cumbernauld Theatre called 'The Bookie' with music by Aly Macrae. His iconic play 'Decky Does A Bronco' was also remounted by Gridiron for a major anniversary tour and his version of Wedekind's 'Spring Awakening' was produced by Gridiron and The Traverse Theatre. Projects for the coming year include a new play for young performers called 'Too Fast' for The National Theatre UK's New Connections project and a new piece of musical theatre called 'Watertight' written with composer Richard Taylor and developed with Philip Howard and musical theatre students from the RSAMD. Other plays include 'Our Bad Magnet,' 'Variety,' 'If Destroyed True,' 'Backpacker Blues,' 'Melody,' 'The Ballad of James II' and 'Harm.' His work for young people includes 'Helmet,' 'Mancub' and 'The Mother Ship.' 'The Mother Ship' won the Brian Way Award for best play for a younger audience 2009. He is currently the Writer in Residence for Dundee Rep.

Johnny McKnight (director) Trained RSAMD. Directing credits include 'Promises Promises,' 'Marymassacre,' 'Something Wicked' (Random Accomplice); 'Snow White,' 'Mother Goose' (macrobert). He is Co-Artistic Director of Random Accomplice Theatre Company.

Scotland Week is part of the Scottish Government's year round program of engagement in North America. Now in its fourth year, Scotland Week 2011 will run from 3 - 10 Apr, and include 'Tartan Day' on 6 Apr. The purpose of Scotland Week is to "raise awareness of Scotland as a modern, vibrant country and a great place to live, visit, work, study, do business and invest."