Central Works continues to captivate audiences with its latest production, ‘The Last Goat,’ written and directed by Gary Graves. Running from June 28 to July 27, with previews on June 26 and 27, the play explores the poignant tale of a young woman yearning to break free from her isolated life on a remote Greek island.
Set against the backdrop of the Greek island of Kasos in the distant past, ‘The Last Goat’ follows Kori, who lives in an aging family farmhouse with her grandmother. As Kori grapples with her desire to escape the island’s seclusion, she is faced with a moral dilemma: leaving her grandmother behind, who relies solely on her for support, to chase the enticing possibility of new adventures.
The arrival of a shipwrecked young man introduces unforeseen complications. While tradition calls for Kori and her grandmother to extend hospitality to the stranger, doubt lingers. The young man claims to be the son of a wealthy landowner from a neighboring island, igniting Kori’s hopes for emancipation. Meanwhile, her grandmother harbors reservations, suspecting the newcomer may have ulterior motives. Audiences will be left questioning whether Kori is truly falling for this stranger or merely using him in her quest for freedom.
The cast features notable talent, including Andre Amarotico, Liris Robles, and Jan Zvaifler, with Amarotico* representing members of the Actors’ Equity Association. This is particularly exciting for Robles, as ‘The Last Goat’ marks her debut with Central Works. Having started her acting journey at the age of five, Robles brings a wealth of experience to the stage with previous roles in productions like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘West Side Story.’ Her passion for theater and performing is complemented by her pursuits as a musician and acrobatics teacher.
Amarotico, who plays the role of Nikolis, has a diverse background in theater. He serves as both a collective member and board president at the Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe. Moreover, he has received accolades for his performances in world premieres and established plays, bringing a rich professional history to Central Works. His BA in Theatre from Stanford University further underscores his deep commitment to the performing arts.
Jan Zvaifler, portraying Melina, is a founding member and co-director of Central Works. Her long-standing involvement with the company spans over three decades, making her a cornerstone of its artistic vision. Zvaifler’s extensive experience encompasses acting, design, directing, and producing, showcasing her versatility in the theater community.
This season, Central Works has already made waves with another of Graves’ works, ‘Boss McGreedy,’ which garnered six nominations at the SFBATCC awards, including ‘Original Script’ and ‘Entire Production.’ Known for its commitment to tackling challenging, provocative issues, Central Works maintains its identity as ‘The New Play Theater,’ consistently fostering new works while ensuring fair compensation for contributing artists.
Gary Graves, the driving force behind both ‘The Last Goat’ and ‘Boss McGreedy,’ has been an influential figure at Central Works since 1998. With a portfolio of 76 world premiere productions developed with the company, his creative contributions continue to invigorate the region’s theater scene. In addition to his directorial roles, he leads the Central Works Writers Workshop and teaches playwriting at the Berkeley Rep School of Theater, shaping the next generation of playwrights and performers.
As the 35th season of Central Works unfolds, theater enthusiasts can anticipate more innovative pieces like ‘Dada Teen Musical: The Play’ by Maury Zeff, set to open on October 18. This provocative musical delves into the chaos that ensues when a Dadaist creation disrupts the turbulent landscape of high school life.
With engaging narratives and dynamic performances, Central Works continues to uphold its mission of artistic exploration and community engagement, ensuring an enriching theatrical experience for all. ‘The Last Goat’ promises to deliver both a thought-provoking storyline and a showcase of remarkable talent, making it a must-see for audiences this summer.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Cast-Set-For-THE-LAST-GOAT-at-Central-Works-20250612
