Complete Casting Announced for the Public's Idiot Savant, Starring Willem Dafoe

Joel Israel, Alenka Kraigher, Elina Lowensohn, Eric Magnus and Daniel Nelson will join previously announced title star Willem Dafoe in the Public Theater's world premiere of Idiot Savant. Written and directed by Richard Foreman, the show begins previews October 27 with opening set for November 4. The limited engagement plays through December 13.

In Idiot Savant, Marie (Kraigher) asks, “But what makes certain words magic?” What follows is a wild theatrical odyssey in the great tradition of Ionesco and Preston Sturges. From precise existential and metaphysical acrobatics, to a ridiculous game of inter-species golf with a Giant Duck, Idiot Savant is a comedic exploration of the boundaries of the legitimate.

Kriagher's regional theater credits include Lust and Leaves of Grass. She has appeared in the films The Slovenian Girl, Kuriosity and The Rooster’s Breakfast.

Israel has appeared in Foreman’s plays Deep Trance Behavior in Potatoland and Wake Up Mr. Sleepy! Your Unconscious Mind Is Dead! He recently performed in and created the audio performance art piece Reluctant at the HERE Arts Center.

Lowensohn makes her stage debut with Idiot Savant. Her film and television credits include Schindler's List, Nadja, I'm Not Rappaport, Basquiat, The Wisdom of Crocodiles, Seinfeld, A Very Long Engagement, Dark Water, Flirt, Simple Men, Amateur and Fay Grim.

Magnus most recently appeared in Foreman's Astronome: A Night at the Opera at the Ontological-Hysteric Theater.

Nelson co-created and performed in Spoleum at the Ontological-Hysteric Theater. Additional credits include Sedimentary, Veils/Vestiges, Famous Actors and two theatrical adaptations of Tom Breidendach’s poetry, Pharmacose and Bleat.

Idiot Savant is presented in association with Foreman’s Ontological-Hysteric Theater. The show will feature will feature scenic design by Peter Ksander and Richard Foreman; costume design by Gabriel Berry; lighting design by Heather Carson; and sound design by Travis Just.