Actors

Debra Wise

Debra Wise is artistic director of Underground Railway Theater, a national touring company that also offers a full season as a resident company of the Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has helped create over 20 new works, contributing as actor, puppeteer, playwright, dramaturge or director. She is Artistic Co-Director of the Catalyst Collaborative @ MIT, a partnership between Underground Railway Theater and MIT to pair theater artists and scientists to create new plays and to present classic texts.Current Underground Railway Theater repertoire in which she performs leading roles include Einsteins Dreams, adapted from Alan Lightmans novel; States of Grace, based on the writings of late activist author Grace Paley; and Alices Adventures Underground, inspired by Lewis Carrolls books. Her appearances on stage with other companies include: Vivien Leigh in Austin Pendeltons Orsons Shadow and Annie in Tom Stoppards The Real Thing (New Repertory Theater); David Margulies Brooklyn Boy (Speakeasy Stage Company); and Julie Taymors and Elizabeth Swados Haggadah (NYC Public Theater). Wise has also helped create innovative theater education programs, such as Art InterACTions and Public Art ACTS (improvisational theater in museums and on the street).

ROLE: Alice Thomkins