Anthony King | Assistant Editor Downtown News

Presented as part of the inaugural San Diego Fringe Festival, Circle Circle dot dot’s production of “The Warriors’ Duet,” directed by Anne Gehman and Katherine Harroff, will see three shows only: Friday, July 5 at 11 a.m., July 6 at 12:30 p.m. and July 7 at 5 p.m. The performances are at the 10th Avenue Theatre’s cabaret space, located at 930 10th Ave.

“The ‘Warriors’ Duet’ is a celebration of love, life and language,” the theater company said in press material, and features the poetic words of Laura Jeanne Morefield coupled with Gehman’s choreography. The play, however, was written by Morefield’s mother, theater critic and word-lover Charlene Baldridge.

After Morefield died of complications from cancer, Baldridge edited and published “The Warrior’s Stance,” a collection of her daughter’s poetry that dealt primarily with the cancer diagnosis. The Fringe Festival production stems from that collection, based on both Morefield’s and Baldridge’s work.

As the play unfolds, a mother is searching for her missing daughter. The piece incorporates music and dance to tell the story of their relationship, one that is “fraught” and “competitive,” the theater company said. 

“‘The Warriors’ Duet’ is the act they never performed [and] the book they didn’t have time to write,” the company said, and if rehearsal pictures posted on the Circle Circle dot dot website are any indication, the final production will be an incredibly emotional and artistic show.

“We are thrilled and honored to have the great opportunity to produce this beautiful piece with Charlene’s blessing and encouragement,” Harroff said in the press material. Harroff is Circle Circle dot dot artistic director, and is also serving as associate director for the Fringe Festival.

“Taking our lead from the fluid poetic text, co-director and choreographer Anne Gehman and I are creating a whimsical dance-theatre dream backdrop to explore the enchanting bond between a mother and daughter that is unhinged … but never wavers, following the diagnosis and ultimate outcome of a terminal illness,” Harroff said.

Baldrige said when she was approached by Harroff about bringing her work to the stage, she was “honored.”

“I had no idea what she planned,” Baldridge said. “I knew only that she loved the piece and that I trusted her as an artist and a director. I’m thrilled at her casting … and curious … about everything else including the use of the male presences she felt hovering over the work.

“After meeting with all four women, including choreographer Anne Gehman, to discuss the piece and answer questions, I set them free to become acquainted with Laura through her words. I think [Laura has] captivated everyone through her legacy of humor and love of life,” Baldridge said.

Circle Circle dot dot representatives said they are proud to be a part of the first Fringe Festival in San Diego, joining “amazing organizations from all over the globe” to present a number of “innovative shows.”

“The Warriors’ Duet” features actors Kathi Copeland, Samantha Ginn, Shaun Tuazon, Soroya Rowley, Matt Carney, Stephanie Smith, Maria Juan and Desiree Cuizon. Ginn, Tuazon and Rowley are Circle Circle dot dot company members.

Organizers said tickets for the three shows are selling fast, and anticipate at least one show to sell out before the festival itself opens Monday, July 1. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at sdfringe.org or by calling 619-460-4500. For more information visit circle2dot2.com.

For more information about Fringe Fest, visit our preview story by Manny Lopez, First San Diego Fringe Festival unearths Downtown