Arizona Theatre Matters

Ferryman press kit

Press Kit for The Ferryman’s Toll

  • Title: The Ferryman’s Toll
  • Tagline: A darkly funny, harrowing exploration of childhood trauma and its haunting reverberations.
The Ferryman's Toll first reading poster.

Production Details

  • Playwright: Samantha King, Jeanmarie Simpson. Dylan Brody and Gary Wright
  • Director: Michael Rawley
  • Dramaturg: Dylan Brody
  • Performers:
  • Samantha King as Alexandra
  • Jeanmarie Simpson as Marguerite
  • Gary Wright as Dr. Clark
  • Setting: Zoom Therapy
  • Genre: Dramedy with psychological realism and metaphorical storytelling (see study guide and questionnaire)

Synopsis

Over decades of friendship, Alexandra and Marguerite have shared triumphs and tragedies, navigating a bond forged by mutual reliance and enduring pain. In The Ferryman’s Toll, a series of virtual therapy sessions slowly unravel the layers of their shared history, inching closer to a devastating secret that could change everything. This shattering revelation forms the heart of The Ferryman’s Toll and propels the audience into a world of metaphorical storytelling.

Metaphorical storytelling uses imagery, symbols, and layered narratives to represent deeper emotional, psychological, and universal truths. Rather than recounting events literally, this technique encourages audiences to engage with the play’s symbolic meaning, inviting interpretation and introspection.

In The Ferryman’s Toll, metaphorical storytelling enhances the audience’s understanding of trauma, memory, and human connection. Below, we unpack some of the key metaphors and their potential significance within the play.

Themes and Unique Elements

  • Exploration of Trauma and Memory: The play examines how lived trauma influences relationships and personal identity.
  • Liminal Spaces: The virtual therapy setting reflects the in-between state of healing and transformation.
  • Mythological Undertones: Incorporates Jungian archetypes to deepen the narrative.
  • Meta-Theatrical Elements: Engages the audience in introspective storytelling.

Key Dates and Contact Information

Accessibility Commitment

  • UPCOMING FIRST READING WILL NOT HAVE SIGN LANGUAGE PERFORMERS. There will be transcription, captions and chat.
  • Sign Language Interpretation: Launched productions all feature Hands in Harmony, our Deaf sign language performance team as the primary visual representation.
  • Captions and Audio Description: Videos include comprehensive captions and audio descriptions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision audiences.
  • Screen Reader Compatibility: All digital materials are optimized for screen readers.
  • Accessible Texts: Written materials use fonts and formats designed for maximum readability.
  • ADA-Compliant Facilities: For in-person workshops or events, only fully accessible venues are selected.

Funding and Support

This production is supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, demonstrating its artistic merit and dedication to accessibility and inclusivity. This funding underscores the play’s cultural significance and its commitment to reach diverse audiences.

Creative Team Bios

Samantha King

Samantha King

Playwright and performer (Alexandra), Sam is a lifelong theatre artist – actor, singer, dancer, writer, director and teacher. She is Associate Artistic Director of ATM and an Arts Integration Specialist for KID smART in New Orleans, LA.

Jeanmarie Simpson

Jeanmarie Simpson

(Playwright and performer (Marguerite), Jeanmarie is Founding Artistic Director of ATM and has been writing, acting, directing and teaching theatre since 1972. Her role of Marguerite is informed by her extensive work in theater as a vehicle for social change. Learn more about her at jeanmariesimpson.com

Gary Wright

GARY WRIGHT (Dr. Clark, contributing playwright) has been a toiler in the regional theatre vineyards since 1984. His acting and directing credits include over 60 productions in 15 years as an Associate Artist at the Foothill Theatre Company, as well as productions at Palo Alto Childrens’ Theatre, Capital Stage, California Stage, Sacramento Theatre Company, Music Circus, B Street Theatre, Fantasy Theatre, Americana Theatre Company, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the Oregon, Colorado, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festivals, and a bilingual production of Noises Off at the Maxim Gorky Drama Theatre in Vladivostok. Playwriting commissions include several plays written for Foothill Theatre Company while on staff there: The Diary of a Forty-Niner, Dracula, and Evermore, along with several one-acts. Other commissions: Of Kites and Kings (for Sacramento Theatre Company); and One Grain of Rice, and Meerkats: The Musical! (for Palo Alto Childrens’ Theatre). Also for Palo Alto Childrens’ Theatre, Gary is just about to start work on a new Robin Hood script. His latest play, Play It Straight, co-written with Richard Winters and Kerri Yund, is currently in performance at Sacramento City College, opening next month at R25 Theatre Group (also in Sacramento), and coming up in June at the Actors’ Workshop in Muskegon, Michigan.

Michael Rawley

Michael Rawley, Director, is the Managing Artistic Director of the LaSalle Theatre in Ontario, Canada and Associate Artistic Director of ATM. He is a celebrated theatre artist across Canada, in the US and abroad.


Dylan Brody, (Dramaturg, Playwright), is a prolific playwright, actor, and humorist, known for his work in blending comedy with poignant storytelling. Learn more about him at dylanbrody.com.

Press Releases

Michael Rawley Directs

https://mailchi.mp/f8cf72e42125/michael-rawley-directs-arizona-theatre-matters-the-ferrymans-toll