Improbable Stage to Debut THAT WHICH REMAINS at IRT Theater
By: BWW News Desk May. 03, 2017
That Which Remains uniquely reimagines Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus in this vivid and dynamic production. Utilizing movement as their primary vocabulary, Improbable Stage tells the turbulent story of the Roman General's heroic post-war return home after smothering the Goths. Through her (yes, her) slow decay into madness, the production spatters color on the gray area that is justified murder, and questions whether or not revenge is sustainable if it is the only dish on our plates.
Improbable Stage relies on its unique style of creation to maneuver through one of Shakespeare's most difficult and problematic pieces, incorporating ensemble collaboration, devised movement pieces and fierce dramaturgical excavation to augment the text of Titus Andronicus. "Movement theatre is a lot about revealing and illuminating the essence of a situation, relationship or emotion," says company member Sarah Misch, "One of the most exciting aspects of reimagining Titus has been the hunt for its essence. It's been an amazing challenge to take one of Shakespeare's most convoluted plots and to distill it down to its emotional and thematic core." The company's development process, called "drafting," strives to consider and incorporate every individual's ideas and input. "The top priority [of] this process is to create a space where every person in it feels valued and integral to the work being created," Artistic Director Stacy A. Donovan explains, "This is not to say that there is no rehearsal etiquette, no hierarchy, no director...These things are essential to the process; however, they can all happen while all members of the ensemble feel free to contribute."
Improbable Stage's thought-provoking exploration in this production echoes in their unique and important place within NYC's theatre community. Every month Improbable Stage hosts a free theatre workshop as an opportunity for artists to escape the difficulties and pressures of show business. "The business is harsh," says Donovan, "The business is competitive. The business, especially in New York City, is exclusive. Improbable Stage is inclusive; we care about creating a community of artists and a place where those artists can get back to the joy that brought them to the theatre in the first place."
That Which Remains is performed by Ilana Berman, Ryan Castro, Tali Custer, Kenny Fedorko, Chirs Gallerani, Julia Hansen, Ellen Jenders, Sarah Misch, Danielle Mumpower, John Noel, Emily Pintel, Erika Lee Sengstack* and Marquis Wood. That Which Remains is directed by Stacy A. Donovan, featuring designs by Elizabeth Van Buren (costumes), Scott Pomerantz (scenic), and Jennifer Hill (lighting). *Appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
IF YOU GO:
That Which Remains by Improbable Stage
Where: IRT Theater, 154 Christopher Street #3B New York, NY 10014
When: Wednesday June 14th - Friday, June 16th at 7PM
Saturday June 17th at 3PM & 7PM
Tuesday, June 20th - Friday, June 23rd at 7PM
Saturday, June 24th at 3PM & 7PM
Length of Show: 1 Hour
Tickets: $20 online, $25 cash at the door
Website: www.improbablestage.org
Improbable Stage is a "not-making-a-profit" theatre company celebrating nine years of thriving in New York City. Its members make up an impassioned ensemble that are dedicated to supporting artists and creating intriguing theatrical work, both original pieces and reimagined classics. The company has created and produced the NYC premieres of Rough Draft at Wild Project, BOX, Listen . . . and Shrewd at IRT Theater, presented work in the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and the CheckUsOut Dance Festival in Central Park, and works with schools on creating original devised theatre pieces. Improbable hosts monthly free workshops throughout the year.
IRT Theater is a grassroots laboratory for independent theater and performance in New York City, providing space and support to a new generation of artists. Tucked away in the old Archive building in Greenwich Village, IRT's mission is to build a community of emerging and established artists by creating a home for the development and presentation of new work. Some of the artists they have supported include Young Jean Lee, Reggie Watts and Mike Daisey. For information visit www.irththeater.org.
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