DUCHESS IN THE DARK
October 29, 2009 - October 31, 2009 at Flux Factory, Long Island City
November 4, 2009 - November 7, 2009 at CSV Flamboyan Theater, Manhattan
John Webster's Jacobean tragedy The Duchess of Malfi explores a dark underworld of sex, family, politics, and power through the story of the eponymous Duchess who marries beneath her rank, leading to a tortured fate at the hands of her royal brothers.
art.party.theater.company's unique theatrical experience DUCHESS IN THE DARK plunges the audience into a world of literal darkness. As the lighting slowly, imperceptibly, fades to black over twenty minutes, it falls to the audience to light the action on stage using flashlights previously distributed to them. With only minimal direction from the performers or external sound cues, the audience will be placed at the center of the story. While centuries old, the story is as relevant as ever when presented in this inventive, austere, physically aggressive staging—showcasing beauty of the text and the eerie quality of the story. Pulling on the aesthetic influences of Louise Bourgoise, horror films of the 90's, and bowls of peeled grapes, DUCHESS IN THE DARK explores the collaborative, interactive exchange between audience and performance that is at the core of art.party's creative mission. Through their individual lights, the collective decides which characters should have focus, what moments deserve attention, and what is interesting about the action on stage.
Click to download press release.
PHOTOS / Photos by Leticia Frazao & Silvia Fiorni
October 29, 2009 - October 31, 2009 at Flux Factory, Long Island City
November 4, 2009 - November 7, 2009 at CSV Flamboyan Theater, Manhattan
John Webster's Jacobean tragedy The Duchess of Malfi explores a dark underworld of sex, family, politics, and power through the story of the eponymous Duchess who marries beneath her rank, leading to a tortured fate at the hands of her royal brothers.
art.party.theater.company's unique theatrical experience DUCHESS IN THE DARK plunges the audience into a world of literal darkness. As the lighting slowly, imperceptibly, fades to black over twenty minutes, it falls to the audience to light the action on stage using flashlights previously distributed to them. With only minimal direction from the performers or external sound cues, the audience will be placed at the center of the story. While centuries old, the story is as relevant as ever when presented in this inventive, austere, physically aggressive staging—showcasing beauty of the text and the eerie quality of the story. Pulling on the aesthetic influences of Louise Bourgoise, horror films of the 90's, and bowls of peeled grapes, DUCHESS IN THE DARK explores the collaborative, interactive exchange between audience and performance that is at the core of art.party's creative mission. Through their individual lights, the collective decides which characters should have focus, what moments deserve attention, and what is interesting about the action on stage.
Click to download press release.
PHOTOS / Photos by Leticia Frazao & Silvia Fiorni
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Featuring: Joe Curnutte*, Kyle Davies, Jody Flader*, Julia Gwynne, Blake Habermann, Levi Morger, April Palasthy, Michael Schoenfeld. *Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. |
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Director — Mary Birnbaum Producer — Leticia Frazao Set Designer — Grace Laubacher |