Identity Theater's Reimagined THE TEMPEST Begins Tonight at Artspace

Identity Theater, dedicated to providing a place for disabled actors to work will present a reimagining of Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest, running tonight, September 9, through September 18 at The Underground Theater of El Barrio's Artspace.

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on."

Set on a remote island, exiled sorcerer Prospero, plots to restore his daughter, Miranda, to her rightful place in court conjures a storm ("the tempest") to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso to his island. There, his machinations bring about revelation, redemption, and romance.

Identity Theater was formed as a place where disabled actors could come and work. Creating socially relevant production schemes in which disabled and able-bodied actors can work together thus erasing the boundaries between them, Identity promotes tolerance and engages its audience in a dialogue that brings about change.

With a large cast and extensive crew, Identity's production of The Tempest promises to be a lavish one. Featured in the cast is Erin Mansur, Estelle Olivia, Tucker Johnston, Nicholas Linnehan, Diana Benigno, Jimmy Blackman, Pat Dwyer, Kimberly Barth, Alexander Nero, Ben Dworken, Emmanuel Pinkhasov, Guy Ventoliere, and Veronica Dang with Nicholas Linnehan & Tyler Moss, directors; Renee Salierni, costumes; Ian Wehrle, lighting & sound; Jack Becker & Isabel Kruse, production assistants; and BranDon Walker, text consultant.

Performances run: Fri. @ 8:00 pm • Sat. @ 2:00 & 8:00 pm • Sun. @ 3:00 pm at The Underground Theater of El Barrio's Artspace, 215 E. 99th Street, NYC.

Pictured: Last year's production of Richard III (photo by Nicholas Linnehan)