Premiere of Comedy About Tragedy

Sasha Stone

Mirror Contributing Writer

“The only pleasure of fame is that it paves the way to pleasure”
—Lord Byron

   Saturday, August 14, at the Getty Center, the world premiere of the Frank Dwyer play, "The Affliction of Glory," directed by Corey Madden, takes a closer look at Sarah Siddons, the beautiful British actress who lived from 1755 to 1831.
   With only 17 performances scheduled, "The Affliction of Glory," and the re-discovery of the long-forgotten celebrity Siddons, have captured the attention of the Los Angeles press and generated a tsunami of public interest.
   Inspired by the current Getty exhibit "A Passion for Performance: Sarah Siddons and Her Portraitists," the evening of theatre broadens the Getty's arts menu quite significantly. The institute has been incorporating more live shows, interactive programs and story tellingevents since it opened, with the goal of becoming a sort of cultural arts center for Los Angeles.
   "The Affliction of Glory" will run through September 5, with preview performances Saturday, August 14 at 8 p.m., and Sunday August 15, at 2:30 p.m. Evening performances at 8 p.m. will run August 19, 20, 21,26, 27, and 28; September 2, 3, 4. Weekend Matinees at 2:30 will run August 21, 22, 28, 29; September 4, 5. On Sunday, August 29 will be a Sign Language interpretation.
   Ticket prices are $28 general admission, $22 for students and seniors, and previews $12. Seating is reserved. Parking reservation and fee included with ticket purchase. Ticket holders may arrive at theGetty Center up to three hours before performances to see the Sarah Siddons exhibition. The Restaurant at the Getty Center will offer a "prix fixe" dinner for $35 per person for evening performances. For dining reservations and information, call (310) 440-7300. To purchase tickets, call (213) 628-2772.