Playwright Nicky Silver – whose plays PTERODACTYLS, RAISED IN CAPTIVITY, THE ALTRUISTS, THE MAIDEN’S PRAYER, EROS TRILOGY and BEAUTIFUL CHILD have all debuted at the Vineyard Theatre – will be joined by three of his finest interpreters – actresses Patricia Clarkson, Veanne Cox and Leslie Ayvazian – in an evening titled, “Nicky Silver and his Leading Ladies,” the third evening in a series of panel discussions featuring theatre artists, VINEYARD VOICES on Monday, December 7 at 7 p.m. at The Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15 St.) in Manhattan.

The celebrated playwright Mr. Silver will be joined at VINEYARD VOICES by three actresses who have originated roles in his plays at The Vineyard:  Oscar nominee Patricia Clarkson in RAISED IN CAPTIVITY and THE MAIDEN’S PRAYER; Tony Award-nominee Veanne Cox in THE ALTRUISTS at The Vineyard; and playwright/actress Leslie Ayvazian in RAISED IN CAPTIVITY at the Vineyard.

VINEYARD VOICES — a series of panel discussions begun earlier this season — features artists and theatre professionals connected to the Vineyard Theatre talking about their work and craft.  VINEYARD VOICES offers an opportunity for audiences and artists to go behind-the-scenes and hear the voices of the artists with insightful, colorful anecdotes to share about working in the theatre, creating for the stage and beyond.

Playwright Nicky Silver has seen six of his plays receive World Premiere productions at the Vineyard Theatre including PTERODACTYLS (1993), RAISED IN CAPTIVITY (1995) – both Drama Desk nominees for Outstanding Play, THE MAIDEN’S PRAYER (1998), THE EROS TRILOGY (1999), THE ALTRUISTS (2000), and BEAUTIFUL CHILD (2004). Other select credits include: THE AGONY AND THE AGONY, THE FOOD CHAIN, ROGER AND MIRIAM and the new book for the Broadway revival of the Rodgers and Hart musical, THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE.

Actress Patricia Clarkson won an Emmy Award for her appearance it the HBO series SIX FEET UNDER, and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film PIECES OF APRIL. In 2003, she gained critical acclaim and a Special Jury Prize for her work in four films that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival : ALL THE REAL GIRLS, THE BARONESS AND THE PIG, THE STATION AGENT and PIECES OF APRIL. Ms. Clarkson’s stage credits include the aforementioned RAISED IN CAPTIVITY and THE MAIDEN’S PRAYER both at the Vineyard, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES and EASTERN STANDARD both on Broadway, and The Maderati (Playwrights Horizons), THREE DAYS OF RAIN (Manhattan Theatre Club), etc.

Tony Award nominated for her portrayal of “Amy” in the 1996 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY, Veanne Cox has appeared on the Vineyard boards in both Joan Ackerman’s THE BATTING CAGE and the aforementioned THE ALTRUISTS. Some of her other numerous stage credits include, on Broadway – CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, THE DINNER PARTY and SMILE; and Off-Broadway –  PARADISE PARK  (Lucille Lortel nominee); THE WOODEN BREEKS;A MOTHER, A DAUGHTER, AND A GUN; LAST EASTER (Drama Desk nominee); HOUSE; SPAIN (Lucille Lortel nominee); etc.

Leslie Ayvazian is an award-winning playwright and actress. She is the recipient of the Roger L. Stevens (1994) and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize (1996) for her work NINE ARMENIANS. Her numerous works include – DEAF DAY, HIGH DIVE, LOVELY DAY, MAMA DRAMA, NINE ARMENIANS, PLAN DAY, SINGER’S BOY, TWENTY FOUR YEARS, and MAKE ME. Her acting stage credits include – A NAKED GIRL ON THE APPIAN WAY and LOST IN YONKERS, both on Broadawy.

Vineyard Theatre is under the guidance of Douglas Aibel, Artistic Director, and Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell, Executive Director.

Tickets for Vineyard Voices are $20, and are available at www.vineyardtheatre.org, in person at The Vineyard box office (108 East 15th Street) or by phone at 212-353-0303.