Psychedelic Society of San Francisco

Psychedelics Today: On Stage and Under the Microscope

October 30, 2012 · 7:30 PM
JCC of the East Bay

Join award-winning playwright Lynne Kaufman and actor Warren David Keith for a discussion and excerpts from their new production ACID TEST: THE MANY INCARNATIONS OF RAM DASS, playing at The Marsh in Berkeley this Fall. Trace the life, times and spiritual journey of Ram Dass from his roots as Richard Alpert, a scion of a wealthy Jewish family, to his tenured professorship at Harvard University, his beginning the psychedelic revolution with Timothy Leary, his finding his guru in India, to his becoming a revered spiritual leader. Accompanying the playwright and actor is Dr. James Fadiman, author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide. A professor and psychologist who has been called the wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use, Fadiman will speak to the latest research and the resurgence of scientific interest in psychedelics.

Cost: $8 General, $6 Member, Senior, Student
Tickets Available Here

Bios:
James Fadiman, PHD, is a psychologist and professor at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. He is the author of many books, most recently, "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys". He has been called the wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use.

Lynne Kaufman's twenty full length plays have premiered at such venues as The Magic Theatre, Theatreworks, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles, Florida Studio Theatre, The Contemporary American Theatre Festival and The Abingdon Theatre in New York City. Her prizes and awards include The Will Glickman Award for Best New Play in San Francisco, Theatreworks Award for Best New Play in California, NEA Fund for New American Plays, Dramalog Award, Audrey Skirball Kennis Award, Rella Losey Award, and The William Inge Theatre Festival Award. Her plays have been published by Smith and Krause, Dramatists Play Service and Dramatic Publishing. “Acid Test”, which had a staged reading at The Playwrights Lab at 142 Throckmorton will be produced at The Marsh Theatre Berkeley in Fall 2012. Lynne has also published three novels and teaches writing at OLLI U.C. Berkeley and OLLI Dominican University.

Warren David Keith has appeared at theatres throughout the Bay Area. At the Magic Theater, the world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s What We’re Up Against and also: An Uncommon Vision, The Rules of Charity and Mauritius; War Music, ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore, Mary Stuart, Machinal, and Arcadia at American Conservatory Theatre; Death Defying Acts, A Life in the Theatre, Hysteria, The Devil’s Disciple and The First Grade for the Aurora Theatre; Rhinocerous and Heartbreak House at Berkeley Repertory Theatre; Infidelities, Life X Three and The Good German at Marin Theatre Company; Olive Kitteredge with Word For Word and productions at TheatreWorks, San Jose Stage Company and the California Shakespeare Theater. His film credits include: Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, A Serious Man, Haiku Tunnel and Moonlight Sonata. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Yale School of Drama. In June, 2012 he will be seen in the Marin Theatre Company’s production of God of Carnage.

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alon isaacs

that was a very good lecture, i liked the way he talked about the therapeutic usages of hallucinogenic drugs, and also the play parts made me want to go and see the play itself

0 · October 30
Ken

Excellent event. Fascinating remarks, mainly by Ralph Metzner (who was standing in for James Fadiman who had been announced), about psychedelic experiences, about the 60s, about related matters of spirituality, and of course about Ram Das. Ralph's first-hand knowledge of the times and of the leading persons on the scene then-- Leary, Ram Das, et al -- was invaluable. His memory is sharp as a tack....Now I really want to see the play, excerpts of which were expertly performed by the actor who is embodying and "channeling" Ram Das, Warren David Keith.

0 · October 30
Richard Enlow

Hello all! As a reminder please try to purchase your ticket before the event to ensure seating. We hope to see you all out tomorrow. http://www.brownpapertickets.co...

0 · October 29
Col Dupont

I was at the Marsh theater on opening night and loved the play (one man performance); count me in!

0 · October 24