Celeste Cosentino, executive artistic director of Ensemble Theatre, said “Prospect of Equality,” a new play that tells the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is for everyone. 

It is the theater’s first commission piece in its 44-year history, Cosentino said in a phone interview. The hope is for audience members to feel inspired by Ginsburg’s story and keep her message and the fight for gender equality and social justice alive. 

“There’s a lot going on with women’s rights in this country, and it seems like the right time to bring back her message and keep it alive,” Cosentino said. 

The play was written by Rachel Zake, who currently lives in Pepper Pike. Zake began her career as an actress in 2010 in Los Angeles, California, where she played roles in shows like “Anyone But You,” “House of Lies” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She’s also written fiction and nonfiction books. 

Zake, who recently spoke with Signal Cleveland, about what went into writing the play said it’s important to tell a different story of women leaders in history and showcase their “humanness” through storytelling. 

“As a Jewish woman, as a wife and as a working mother, I relate to Ruth Bader Ginsburg in those ways,” Zake said. “This play explores those aspects of her identity and celebrates her life beyond what we know of her.” 

You can read more of Zake’s interview Friday in Signal Cleveland.

‘Prospect of Equality’ (May 24-June 9) 

When Ginsburg loses her mother right on the precipice of adulthood, young Ruth begins listening to advice from an older version of herself as she navigates school, relationships and life as she begins to change the world.  

The world premiere play follows Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story as we would often wish to see our own, with advice from our older selves, telling us that the fight ahead will truly one day be worth the struggle. You can purchase tickets here. 

Mental Illness and Friends (May 31) 

Mental Illness and Friends, created and hosted by Deena Nyer Mendlowitz, is a live comedy talk show combining stand-up, improv, and open, honest dialogue with other artists dealing with mental health issues.

Each month, Mendlowitz invites other comedians, improv artists, actors and often a musical guest to perform and share a bit of their own mental health history. The hope is for performers and audience members to leave feeling more connected and understood. For more information, visit the show’s website. 

Pride in the CLE (June 1) 

The signature event takes place Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. The march kicks off at Public Square and “shows off Cleveland’s strength, unity and diversity,” event organizers said. Following the kick-off march, the event will turn into an  all-day festival featuring a number of local vendors in healthcare and activism and a robust slate of music, entertainment and DJs. For more information, visit Pride in CLE’s website.

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