Oh, to be 20 and part of a myth

TURNING 20 next year? If so, Cornerstone Theater is inviting you to help it celebrate its own 20th birthday by participating in its production “Demeter in the City” at REDCAT in June.

In Greek mythology, Demeter was separated from her daughter Persephone, and the play will explore the issues of parent-child separation and becoming an independent adult. The script is being written by Sarah Ruhl, whose “The Clean House” was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize last year.

Although no experience is necessary, Cornerstone is looking for performers who “desire to share your experience of being 20 in Southern California.” Director Shishir Kurup, 44, says the company has already been talking with young people about their lives not only as they separate from their parents but also as they become parents.

He noted that just as 20-year-olds are on the verge of “jumping off into the world,” Cornerstone is coping with identity issues as longtime artistic director Bill Rauch leaves, to be replaced by Michael John Garces.

Experiencing a slight sense of deja vu? That may be because a decade ago, Cornerstone produced “Birthday of the Century,” which drew on the experiences of people who shared the same birthday as the company.