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 2020/21 Digital Season Plays from the Lantern Archives:
THE CRAFTSMAN
By Bruce Graham Directed by M. Craig Getting
STREAMING ON DEMAND March 2 - 28, 2021 "Riveting theater... a stirring world-premiere production." –WHYY News
From the ashes of World War II, Dutch patriots discover that one of their own – a rich and reputable art dealer – has sold rare Vermeer paintings to the Nazis. Accused of treason and on trial for his life, he must decide whether to destroy his own reputation or to reveal bigger secrets behind these works that the Dutch consider national treasures. Commissioned and developed through the Lantern's New Works Program, this new play by celebrated Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham spins a darkly ironic tale of ambition, genius, and deception. The Craftsman is part of Plays from the Lantern Archives, a new series celebrating some of the finest productions from recent Lantern seasons, brought vividly back to life on screen. This world premiere performance was professionally filmed with a live theater audience in November 2017. WATCH THE TRAILER
THE CRAFTSMAN on THE LANTERN SEARCHLIGHT BLOG
Articles are hosted by Medium and will load in a new browser tab – no sign-in required  FROM THE ARCHIVESWho Was Vermeer? About the artist whose masterful paintings are integral to our world premiere of The Craftsman.  FROM THE ARCHIVESOrder in the Court The Craftsman is part mystery and part courtroom drama. Why do trials make for such compelling theater?  FROM THE ARCHIVESQuiz: Can you identify the forgery? The Craftsman is a darkly ironic examination of authenticity. What defines the value of art?  FROM THE ARCHIVESThe Science of Art Authentication Art authenticity is a central concern in The Craftsman. How are art forgeries identified, then and now?  FROM THE ARCHIVESMeet the Playwright: Bruce Graham The writer of The Craftsman on the play's origin, the research, and identifying with his characters.  FROM THE ARCHIVESAmsterdam and World War II's Devastation The Craftsman portrays an Amsterdam newly liberated, but still suffering under the effects of occupation.  FROM THE ARCHIVESThe Psychology of the Art Forger The Craftsman hinges on the question of art forgery. For many forgers, it's about much more than money.
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Join the Lantern Email Club THE CAST
Mary Lee Bednarek as Johanna van Meegeren •
Dan Hodge as Boll •
Anthony Lawton as Han van Meegeren •
Brian McCann as Augustun / Rotke / Judge •
Paul L. Nolan as Abraham Bredius •
Ian Merrill Peakes as Joseph Pillel
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Meghan Jones, Scenic Designer •
Kayla Speedy, Costume Designer •
Shannon Zura, Lighting Designer •
Christopher Colucci, Sound Designer •
Janelle Kauffman, Projection Designer •
Rebecca Smith, Stage Manager
The Craftsman poster art: Girl Reading a Letter by an Open Window by Johannes Vermeer (1659), courtesy of the Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Germany.
NEWS & REVIEWS
"Riveting theater. I haven't seen everything that Bruce Graham, the prolific Philadelphia playwright, has written... But I can say that The Craftsman, in a stirring world-premiere production from Lantern Theater Company, has to be among the very best of them. In a season already ripe with new plays, Graham's stands out..." –WHYY News more "A richly-layered examination of truth and deception, human motivation and widespread gullibility... Bruce Graham proves once again that he is a master at observing the human condition and understanding the deep-seated emotions that drive us. And the Lantern's world-class production proves once again that this is the thinking person's go-to theater company, delivering Graham's insightful vision with a superb cast, director, and design team. In the words spoken by Dr. Bredius, 'Great art evokes a response ... emotion.' The Craftsman does, and is." –DC Metro Theater Arts more "Intriguing... a tip-top cast. Part courtroom drama, part psychological study of obsession, the play manages to include a sweeping discussion of important questions about art and artifice, lying and forgery, hatred and revenge, anti-Semitism and homophobia. Graham has given us not only a juicy slice of history, but also plenty of relevance to chew on as we contemplate the world." –The Philadelphia Inquirer more "The Craftsman is both a fascinating history and character study within Graham's tight narrative arc. M. Craig Getting directs this fine ensemble cast with invention and beautiful pacing of complex material." –EDGE more "A brilliant portrayal." –Beyond My Backyard more "A thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking play." –Talkin' Broadway more 
Header Photo: Lawrence Stallings in the world premiere of Me and the Devil (2021); Anthony Lawton and Dave Johnson in Travesties (2022); Melissa Rakiro and Joanna Liao in Twelfth Night (2023); and Paul L. Nolan, Sally Mercer, and Charles McMahon in Copenhagen (2018). Photos by Mark Garvin.
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