Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw series, inspired by the works of George Bernard Shaw, will kick off its 19th season with a benefit reading of Mrs. Warren’s Profession March 18 at 7 PM at Symphony Space’s Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre.

Directed by Lily Kanter Riopelle, the cast of the script-in-hand performance will feature Tina Benko (Dr. Death), Arnie Burton (Timon of Athens), Eli Kollman (Mass Appeal), Fareeda Pasha (Brecht on Brecht), Jay O. Sanders (His Three Daughters), Madeline Seidman (A League of Their Own), and Jason Veasey (A Strange Loop).

Shaw's play, set in a world where women have no legal rights, follows one woman, coming from nothing, who has become one of the most wealthy and powerful of executives, running an international string of high-class brothels, keeping her life hidden from her daughter. 

“Come experience the play that was considered so incendiary upon its world debut in New York in 1905, the entire cast was arrested on opening night!,” says GTG Artistic Director David Staller in a statement. “With a glorious cast bringing us the most amusing and insightful playwright in the English language, the always rascally George Bernard Shaw, this play is not to be missed! Stay for the post-show discussion to find out why it was so controversial. Hint: it wasn’t because of sex-working themes.”

All readings in the series are followed by a post-show discussion with the cast and director. Additional readings this season will include Noël Coward’s first play, I’ll Leave It To You, April 29; Shaw’s Heartbreak House May 20; and an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s theoretical romantic short story about Shakespeare’s sonnets, The Portrait of Mr. W.H., June 24 to help kick-off NYC Pride week. 

GTG’s recent Off-Broadway engagement of Shaw’s Arms and the Man will be streamed online later this year.

For tickets to the upcoming reading, priced $40, visit SymphonySpace.org.