Embodied theatre

"EMBODY" features Kara Gabrille McKenney and Robert Tucker.

The New Phoenix Theatre is presenting the winner of its 10th annual Eric Bentley New Play Competition when "EMBODY" is on stage March 1-17.

"EMBODY," by Atlanta-based Lauren Gunderson, takes as its premise Leonardo Da Vinci's brush with execution on charges of sodomy at the age of 24. The play claims that Da Vinci was spared death at the stake by the intervention of a mysterious and popular mistress, Caterina, who bargains her body for Da Vinci's lif e.

In Gunderson's daring and highly theatrical chamber play, an unlikely affair develops as Da Vinci and Caterina flee the ever nearing threat of Renaissance politics and persecution, and suggests that Caterina's body may have inspired Da Vinci's interest in anatomy and one of the world's masterpieces.

"The play centers upon essence of spirit," said director Matthew LaChiusa. "Each character is driven by their perception of what makes mankind work."

LaChiusa's cast includes Robert Tucker as Da Vinci, Kara Gabrille McKenney as Caterina, with Michael Votta, Chris Standart and John F. Kennedy.

Gunderson is a playwright, screenwriter, short story author and actor. Her work has received national praise and awards including the Berrilla Kerr Award for American Theatre, Young Playwright's Award, Essential Theatre Prize, Virtual Theatre Prizes and many others.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at the New Phoenix Theatre, 95 N. Johnson Parkway, Buffalo. For tickets, call 853-1334.