Atelier @ Theaterlab
SATC Presents:
The Fundamentalist
Written by Juha Jokela
Directed by Jason Beckmann
Produced by Malina Mannarino
Featuring John Hickok and Claudia Godi
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The Fundamentalist follows the story of Markus, a reformed minister, who is confronted by Heidi, a former student turned religious extremist. As Heidi attempts to “save” Markus from his loss of faith, the play explores profound questions about belief, identity, and moral responsibility in a divided world.
Markus (John Hickok), a reformed minister, is approached by Heidi (Claudia Godi), who has become a fervent religious extremist. Through their encounters, a spiritual battle unfolds as each seeks to change the other’s worldview. Beneath the surface, however, lies a darker past that continues to haunt them both. Winner of the Nordic Drama Award, The Fundamentalist is a two-character drama that offers a nuanced examination of fundamentalist beliefs and compels us to reflect on our values, faith, and humanity. The play delves into the complex nature of belief, self-righteousness, and the human responsibility to others, asking: What does it truly mean to believe in something?
The plot, full of unexpected twists, will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While we won’t spoil the details, be assured that the story will unfold in ways that will captivate and intrigue.
MEET THE ARTISTS
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John Hickok (performer) On Broadway, John originated the roles of Governor Slaton in Parade directed by Hal Prince, Chief Minister Zoser in Elton John’s Aida, and Professor Bhaer opposite Sutton Foster in Little Women. He can be heard on all three cast albums. Also on Broadway – Man and Boy opposite Frank Langella, Our Country’s Good and Accomplice.
He also created the role of Special Agent Milton in Red Dead Redemption 2. Favorite gigs in a 40-year-career: John Adams in Frank Galati’s 1776, Polonius in Hamlet, Aguecheek in Twelfth Night, Wizard in John Doyle’s August Rush, Gloucester in Richard III, Beauregard in Mame with Michelle Lee, Peter Pan with Kathy Rigby, Foxfire with James Whitmore. He’s done Romeo and Juliet three times (Mercutio, Tybalt & directed it), and Midsummer Night’s Dream four times (Lysander twice, Peter Quince and directed it). John’s directing credits include the acclaimed premiere of Burning Blue at the Theater Royal Haymarket on London’s West End (2 Olivier Award nominations, Evening Standard nominations). He directed (and designed the set & sound for) subsequent Burning Blue productions in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and has directed professionally around the country and in various universities.
He’s taught Shakespeare, directing, acting, Meisner, diction, voice & movement at Queens College, Bard College, Norwalk Conservatory & Western Ct. State University, where he’s currently an adjunct faculty member.
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Claudia Godi (performer) Born in Florence, Italy, Ms. Godi is currently based in New York City. Claudia is grateful for the guidance of her mentor, Mr. Robert X. Modica, whose teachings continue to inspire and inform her work.
CURRENTLY PERFORMING – Heidi — The Fundamentalist by Juha Jokela, directed by Jason Beckmann, opposite John Hickok
SELECTED THEATER CREDITS Doomsday Scrolling, Anomalous Co., Here Art Center, NYC, Miracle of the Danube, by M. Anderson, directed by Jason Beckmann, produced by Putnam Theater Alliance, Love Letters, by A.R. Gurney, opposite Richard Fiske, Ink & Steel, 9 Freedoms Productions, The Players Club (NYC) and JCTC (NJ), Trojan Women, by Euripides, directed by Olga Levina, JCTC, Felony Friday, opposite John Amos (Good Times, Roots), Prey, opposite Sean Patrick Reilly (Billion, Sleeper, Bull), Loves of Picasso, written and directed by Terry D’Alfonso, produced by Pat Flicker Addis and Georganne Aldrich, Always Never There, co-produced and acted in the play by Jason Beckman, The Players Club (NYC), The Business of Love – Affare d’Amore, co-wrote and performed in this bilingual romantic comedy with Scott Decker TRAINING
Studied Acting with Mr. Robert X. Modica, Carnegie Hall Studios – Studio 809
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Jason Beckmann (director) As a director Jason Beckmann’s most recent credits include directing and producing Expressions of Regret by Christine Toy Johnson and Miracle on the Danube by Maxwell Anderson as a part of The Freedom Project for the Putnam Theater Alliance. He has also directed ne works such as Zoo Animals by Jack Fuhrmann at the New York Theater Festival, Breaking and Entering (Won Best Play and Best Director) and How We Met (Won Best Play)by Ellie Martino at the Aery 20/20 festival. He also has directed classics such as Love Letters by A.R Gurney at The Jersey City Theater Center and Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov at Nuance Theater. He has workshopped Talk to Me Like the Rain by Tennessee Williams at the Tank. He received his BFA in Theater Arts at University of the Arts and spent a semester at the Moscow Art Theater. He has been a resident artist at the National Theater at the Eugene O’Neill Theater center and Dragon’s Egg where he workshopped The Seagull. He is also a company member of The Scandinavian American Theater Company since 2017 satcnyc.orgÂ
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Malina Mannarino (Producer) is is a seasoned professional in the dramatic arts, specializing in coaching for adults and children, and voiceovers. With over three decades of experience, she has played a key role in Italian, Spanish, and English language education across a variety of fields, with an emphasis on opera and musicals. She also has an extensive background in press, journalism, and communications. Malina has also worked with the National Theater Press Office in Rome, Turin, and Bolzano, Italy.She attended the Catholic University, Communications and Dramatic Arts in Washington D.C. and the National Academy of Dramatic Art Silvio D’Amico in Rome, Italy.
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Kristina Gramlich-Casta (stage manager) is a triple water sign, light designer, deviser and poet-writer from NYC. Between 2011 to 2021, her poetry traveled from The Apollo, Nuyorican Poets Cafe to Paris, France then Off-Broadway for two one-woman shows. After receiving her BA in Acting & Technical Design, she personified her passion for poetry and stagecraft with a MSed in Educational Theatre. Her teaching artistry cultivates compassion and courageously compliments her Stage Management toolkit. Inspired by elemental storytelling, Kristina has creatively collaborated on prosperous projects/productions within countless communities and visionary venues.
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Richard Lowenburg (music & sound designer) is a Brooklyn-based musician and actor. His music directing credits include Cancel This Musical (Cincinnati Fringe), A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant (Unattended Baggage), Mr Burns (Prismhouse Theater Co), and Cabaret (Playwrights Horizons Theater School), as well as cabarets at 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and Brooklyn Art Haus. He co-leads the funk-fusion project Mysa.
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Andy Reiff (costume designer) recently directed and designed the costumes for Anton Goes to Heaven at Theater for the New City. Theater: My Name is Susan (Scandinavian American Theater Company), Miracle of the Danube (Philipstown Depot Theatre), Expression of Regret (Philipstown Depot Theatre), Lovebird Jamboree (Fresh Fruit Festival), The Stone Groove Shagadelic Disco (The University of the Arts). Film: Down the Shore, Gender Studies, Goodboy, Egg, Lifted for Gucci and Garage magazine, Our Home for Nike. Other styling credits include music videos, editorial projects, red carpet styling for Tony nominee Max Vernon for the opening of KPOP on Broadway and Ben Levi Ross for the premiere of Tick, Tick…Boom!. Andy’s baby is the production of Cabaret in which they direct and play Sally Bowles, which you can follow at @prairieoysterclub. @andyreiff andyreiff.co
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Irmingard Mayer (intimacy director) is an Intimacy Coordinator/Director and Choreographer. Her credits include Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Crimson Shadows and Hightown. She is also an accomplished performer and worked as a pole dance artist for over 10 years, holding the title of US National Pole Art Champion, judging competitions and teaching workshops internationally. She has performed on stages such as the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show with Jennifer Lopez and Las Vegas Hard Rock Casino with Guns N’ Roses, New York Fashion Week and more. Irmingard is thrilled to support as Intimacy Director on this production of The Fundamentalist.
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Scandinavian American Theater Company (SATC) is a non-profit theater company founded to provide Scandinavian perspectives through the new generation of Scandinavian playwrights and theater artists. We present contemporary plays and innovative takes on the classics from the Nordic region, which includes Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Greenland, & the Faroe Islands SATC is committed to strengthening the relationship between Scandinavia and the United States through collaborations and interdisciplinary artistic exchange that examine and challenge the cultural status quo. Since 2009, SATC has presented 14 fully staged productions, 45 readings, 7 original audio experiences, and worked with over 250 actors, 59 playwrights, and 28 directors. SATC’s work is regularly reviewed both in the U.S. press, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Time Out, as well as in Scandinavian press.Â
Thanks in part by the generous donations of:
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Patron   Alex Twersky
Associate Producer
Adriana Bochicchio
Edgidio Faraone
Claudio Pagliara
Franco Zerlenga
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Executive Producer
Roger Spottiswoode
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Special Thanks
Stefania Greco, Monica Blaze-Leavitt, Flavio Godi, Giacomo Godi, Claudio Mazzatenta, Vincenzo Pugliese
COVID-19 policy: In guidance with the city and state COVID-19 policies, we will no longer be requiring masks, but strongly recommend them.