Times Square International Theater Festival Launches 1/16-22

The Roy Arias Studios & Theaters, located in the Times Square Arts Center at 300 West 43rd Street, will present the first Times Square International Theater Festival from January 16 to 22, 2012.

Coinciding with this festival, the complex is addressing shortage of flexible, experimental, curated performance venues in Midtown by recommissioning its fourth floor theater space (74 seats) as the Little Times Square Theatre and its fifth floor Off-Broadway theater (136 seats) as Theatre 500.

The festival is produced by Roy Arias and curated by noted director Alfred Preisser (www.alfredpreisser.com), who has staged over 40 productions in New York and regionally and was Founding Artistic Director of The Classical Theatre of Harlem.

The Times Square International Theater Festival is dedicated to work that challenges the status quo, exhibits artistic excellence and manifests invention and innovation in all of its aspects. Its mission is to provide an affordable venue for an assortment of plays and performance pieces that will not otherwise be seen in the doorstep of Broadway, offering companies of reduced budget but great artistic merit the opportunity to show their art in the heart of the theater capital of the world. The Festival also aims to inspire communication between theater companies from across the globe and to facilitate them to gain insight into each others' work. From August 15 to November 30, 2011 the festival accepted submissions from all kinds of stage plays, including musicals and new or classic pieces and twenty pieces were selected for presentation.

The lineup includes productions from Ukraine, Argentina/Spain, Germany, Italy/USA and Cuba. The state of the world economy, barriers to travel and the high cost of temporary housing in New York made it impractical to assemble a lineup of exclusively foreign plays. But it was possible to maintain a multinational scope by opening the festival to productions with an international vision, even if they were from the USA, and to artists living here who have some international influence.

The Festival includes 15 fully staged works, of which two are world premieres and five are New York premieres. Most shows will be performed three times in the week of the fest. There will be a mixture of musicals, movement theater works, choreographic works, dramas, family shows and solo shows. There will also be two staged readings and a workshop in Lecoq Technique (writing and adapting through improvisation, using mime and pantomime).

The festival will be an annual event with more offerings and longer runs planned for 2013. Separate from this festival, the Little Times Square Theatre and Theatre 500 will also be increasing their curated programming.

All full productions of the festival are $18 in advance, $20 at the door; $12 seniors and students. A festival pass is available for $99. Staged readings are $10. The Box office is SMARTTIX (212) 868-4444, www.smarttix.com. The festival website is www.tsitf.com.

DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTIONS

On the Field of Blood by Lesya Ukrainka, directed by Yuriy Rozstalny (Ukraine)
Tue, Jan 17 at 7:30 PM; Thur, Jan 19 at 6:00 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 1:00 PM

This U.S. premiere has been presented with success in many Ukrainian cities as well as Paris, Munich and Moscow. Judas the traitor dies in the Book of Matthew. But in 1909, Lesya Ukrainka (1871-1913), one of the brightest names in the history of the Ukrainian and world literature, wrote a dramatic poem "On a Field of Blood," in which she let Judas live and condemned him to torturous labor on a desolate plot of land. The Church's censorship subjected the play to devastating criticism because by letting Judas live the poetess gave him the chance to have the last word. Today's critics hold that the dramatic sketch represents a polemic against the attempts of reactionary writers and publicists to justify a philosophy of treachery.

As Judas, reliving the key moments of Jesus' path to Mount Calvary, goes through his own Way of the Cross, the authors (Lesya Ukrainka and adapter Yuriy Rozstalny) make him walk in circles through the hell of pangs of consciousness: he falls under the burden of the Last Supper, during which Jesus assigned him this task, saying "Here is the traitors hand beside me." Then, emulating Jesus on the cross, he crucifies himself. Just as a worn out body can't find rest, so a torn soul will never be at peace with the world. Staging the story allows Judas now to be seen as well as heard. With: Ostap Stupka and Dmytro Rybalevskyi.

Director Yuriy Rozstalny was born in Ukraine and was a resident actor of the famed Kiev Youth Theatre from 1985-1990. From 1990 to1994 was a resident actor at The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, Kiev. Since 1995, he has resided in Munich, where he studied German at the Goethe Institute and worked at the Blaue Maus Theatre. From 2005-2008, he was an actor of the Dusseldorf Theatre. He directed "On a Field of Blood" at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kiev in 2009, which was a sensation there and has successfully toured to Munich, Paris, Lutsk and Moscow.

Ostap Stupka (Judas) is a resident actor of the The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre in Kiev. To-date, has performed about thirty theatrical roles, touring in Eastern and Western Europe, Russia and the US, and appeared in about forty films and animation projects. He is also a well-known TV personality, hosting the popular TV shows "The First Million" (Ukrainian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire") and "The Twelve Best Scams" (a documentary TV project of ICTV, Ukraine). He has appeared as a star-contestant in "Dances with the Stars" (1+1 TV, Ukraine). Stupka is a member of a prominent Ukrainian theatrical family. His father, Bogdan Stupka, is a world-renowned Ukrainian actor and recipient of the Hero of Ukraine and People's Artist of Ukraine honors. His mother, Larysa Stupka, is a ballet dancer. He is married to a popular theater producer, Iryna Batko-Stupka. They have three children; their eldest son, Dmytro, is continuing the Stupka Acting Dynasty as a resident actor in The Ivan Franko Theatre.

Actor Dmytro Rybalevskyi is also a resident actor of the The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, where he has appeared in 12 productions to-date. He is considered a rising star of Ukrainian cinema and has played leading roles in five films.

The play is performed in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :60

More info: http://ft.org.ua/index.php?do=static&page=Na%20poli

Match written and directed by László Kocsis (Germany)
Tues, Jan 17 at 8:00 PM; Fri, Jan 20 at 6:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 1:00 PM

American and New York premiere of a happy and grotesque play about life from Budapest, Hungary. The company writes, "We all live together in one box, wishing ourselves out of it, so that we can be used for what we meant to be. We all want to be useful. There will be someone, who gives light in order that the invisible problems become visible. There will be someone, who is going to catch fire and set others on fire. And there are also some others ones who are already burnt. It depends on the operator for what we will be used for. Its their responsibility. While life goes on in one box, we never know who is the next one, we never know who gets the short straw." With Banana on the Road and montage music. Cast of eleven German, French, Iranian, Hungarian and Kurdish actors and actresses.

The Human Natural Theater is an international theater created for communication without borders and age ranges through the language of lyrics, dance, music and film. The founder of HNT, László Kocsis, is an award-winning director, choreographer and dancer who works prolifically in Hungary and Germany. The members of HNT are from different nations, in all age ranges. "Match" works with human, historical and religious issues through metaphors. Its multiculturalism is one of the reasons why this play has been so successful in Germany. Self criticism and criticism, lyricism and drama are all on the stage. The bridges between scenes are filled by fresh and breezy music played by a young talented band.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time 2:30

More info: n.a.

Alita the Show by Freia Canals and Denise Kornitz (Argentina/Spain)
Wed, Jan 18 at 4:00 PM; Sat. Jan 21 at 12:30 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 1:00 PM. Adults $18; Kids $12.

For children ages three to ten, Denise Komitz (Buenos Aires) and Freia Canals (Barcelona) perform a bilingual (English-Spanish) play with hand-made handpuppets. Once upon a time, there was a princess who decided to leave behind all she ever knew. Alita the Princess embarks on a very special, magical journey in which she faces an unknown but exciting future. The journey takes Alita to meet different characters who show her the true meaning of love and friendship. She will learns the importance of the little things around us that we might have taken for granted. A story for kids of all ages, a way to self-discovery, and a path full of excitement and surprises.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :45

More info: www.alitatheshow.com

Breve Temporada de Invierno (Cuba/Puerto Rico)
Mon, Jan 16 at 6:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 7:30 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 4:30 PM

Maranao Theater Company performs the world premiere of a two-character Cuban comedy by Nicolas Dorr, directed by Josean Ortiz (Puerto Rico). Performed in Spanish. The actors hail from Argentina and Puerto Rico. An aging actress, nearing the end of her career, must reconcile with her assistant, who has been her hairdresser, wardrobe manager, and in the past a fortuitous lover. Both will discover hidden aspects of their personalities.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :75

More info: n.a.

A Time to Dance written and performed by Libby Skala
Tue, Jan 17 at 6:00 PM; Fri, Jan 20 at 9:00 PM

Libby Skala portrays the life and soul of her great aunt, Austrian modern dancer Elizabeth "Lisl" Polk, in the dancer's own words. A dazzling story-teller, Lisl dances to her own stories of a turbulent life spanning the 20th Century, beginning with her premature birth in 1902 Vienna under the Hapsburg Empire. The daughter of a Catholic mother and Jewish father, she deals with the conflicting forces of anti-Semitism in her own home as she dreams of becoming a famous dancer. Met with opposition from her autocratic father, she finds unexpected ways to negotiate and fulfill her dream, while struggling to emerge from the shadow of a famous older sister (architect and Oscar-nominee Lilia Skala). Lisl longs for true love with the man of her dreams, and instead settles for Harry, a former WWI prisoner of war whose bathroom is big enough to dance in. They immigrate to New York where she secures safe passage for her extended family, becomes a mother and pioneers dance therapy (for which she wins a lifetime achievement award). Looking back over a century, she discovers a true love she always had and never realized.

Libby Skala wrote and has performed "A Time to Dance" at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival's Sunday Series in Ontario. It had a three-week run at Vancouver's Pacific Theatre and opened Fire Exit Theatre's 2011-2012 season in Calgary. In Germany, it was performed at the University of Dresden and at Theater im Greenhouse in Berlin. The show won Skala the "Best Solo Performer" award at the 2007 London Fringe Theatre Festival and an award from The Pandella Cultural Fund in Switzerland. 

Ms. Skala's first one-woman play, "LiLiA!" (about her grandmother, actress Lilia Skala), has been performed across North America and in Europe. She played Viola in the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival's production of "Twelfth Night." In Washington, D.C., she appeared in Jeffrey Sweet's "Value of Names" at Theatre J. She appeared in Jonathan Glazer's film "Birth," starring Nicole Kidman. (www.LibbySkala.com)

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :60

More info: http://atimetodance.homestead.com

Broken by Walter May
Tue, Jan 17 at 9:00 PM; Thur, Jan 19 at 8:30 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 7:30 PM

When an unstable but mysteriously compelling homeless woman confronts a lonely office worker on an urban waterfront, the past crashes down on both as they revisit the painful paths that brought them there and look for a reason to hope. Their pasts are revealed through their growing concern for each other until an incredible twist turns everything you though you knew about these intense characters completely upside down. Directed by Christopher Carter Sanderson, designed and built by Ryan Hauenstein, costumes designed by Mary Anne Davis.

"Broken" was developed with the assistance of Liz Bussey Fentress and the participants in the Kentucky Voices playwriting program at Kentucky Repertory Theatre in Horse Cave, where it received a public reading. Walter May also wrote "A Measure of Respect," which was produced by AGL in 1987. A New York premiere from Gorilla Repertory Theater.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :70

More info: www.gorillarep.org

Horripilation! written and performed by John Sowle
Mon, Jan 16 at 6:30 PM, Thur, Jan 19 at 10:00 PM, Sat, Jan 21 at 8:00 PM

The New York premiere of an astonishing journey into the world of ancient Indian theater by Kaliyuga Arts. The work combines the Natya Shastra, a remarkably refined and elaborately detailed pre-Christian theatre text from India, with Teyyam, a primitive South India ritual.

Playwright and performer John Sowle has a Ph.D. in Dramatic Art from the University of California at Berkeley and received a Fulbright Fellowship to study dance-theatre in South India. Sowle and his partner Steven Patterson, who directed Horripilation!, founded Kaliyuga Arts in 1986 in Los Angeles and have produced, directed, designed and performed award-winning Kaliyuga Arts' shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Most recently Sowle directed a revival of the Al Carmines and Gertrude Stein musical In Circles at Judson Memorial Church, where it was done originally in the 60s. He is currently the Associate Artistic Director at Stageworks in Hudson, NY.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time :60

More info: http://www.kaliyuga.com/HorripPg.htm

Legacy of the Tiger Mother book and lyrics by Angela Chan & Michael Manley, Music by Angela Chan
Mon, Jan 16 at 8:00 PM; Wed, Jan 18 at 6:30; Thur, Jan 19 at 6:30 PM

Got Mommy Issues? Join us on a musical journey with Lily, a first generation Chinese immigrant, and her daughter Mei as they endure the trials and tribulations of old school parenting in a new country. Like many Chinese, Mei and her mom Lily consider the piano the gateway to success, pushing their children to the limit, striving for perfection at every opportunity. But at Mei's daughter Kim's piano recital, Mei clashes with Lily over how much is too much parenting. Mei must decide for herself what is the perfect balance of mixing the old with the new and still meet her mother's approval. East meets west in this funny, irreverent and moving story about a mother, a daughter, a piano, and tough love, Asian style. With classical piano music and contemporary musical theater songs. Book and lyrics by Angela Chan and Michael Manley, music by Angela Chan, directed by Lysander Abadia, designed by Angela Chan. New York premiere.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time :60

More info: www.TigerMotherTheMusical.com

Melting in Madras: Seeking, Singing and Sickness in India, 1995 written and performed by by H.R. Britton
Tue, Jan 17 at 9:30 PM (Roy Arias Studios, 300 W. 43rd Street, Payan Theater), Sat, Jan 21 at 10:00 PM (Roy Arias Studios, Payan Theater); Sun, Jan 22 at 4:30 PM (Little Times Square Theatre)

A story of seeking, singing and sickness. In 1995, a wide-eyed just-out-of-college H.R. Britton traveled to India for a year to gain spiritual clarity through yoga and music. But after three months, his quest for enlightenment took a detour when he became seriously ill. "Melting in Madras" is the story of this journey. Both funny and reflective, Britton uses storytelling, character work, and live raga-inspired singing and guitar playing to paint portraits and cityscapes and to tell the tale of his pilgrimage with all its confusion and beauty. Written by H.R. Britton, directed by Rajeev Varma.

Space: Varies with schedule.

Running time :70

More info: www.OvercoatTheater.com

One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty Four Days
Wed, Jan 18 at 10:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 10:00 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 6:00 PM

An ensemble piece created by a group of ten actors all from different nationalities: American, Asian, African, Israeli, Palestinian, Latin, etc. These actors wrote monologues based on their own life experiences in regard to one theme: longing. These stories reflect a number of similar themes such as: unrequited love, separation, mourning or adoption. The actors will draw inspiration from two places: a song by Gavin DeGraw entitled "Not Over You" and the story of the return of the captive soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held captive for one thousand, nine hundred and thirty four days. It is an Isramerica production, conceived by Sivan Hadari and Charlotte Cohn and directed by Charlotte Cohn.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time: n.a.

More info: n.a.

Sanctuary by Susanne Sulby
Mon, Jan 16 at 6:30 PM; Wed, Jan 18 at 6:00 PM; Fri, Jan 20 at 7:30 PM

New York premiere of Susanne Sulby's one-woman, multiple-character play, "Sanctuary," which premiered in the Philadelphia Fringe in 2005. Inspired by her musings about the Serbo-Croatian civil wars in the early '90s, the multimedia show explores the futility of war and our need for sanctuary from it, focusing primarily on three female characters: a mother bombarded by endless television broadcasts of destruction and death, an emotionally detached war correspondent and a prisoner of war who both longs for her mother and is desperate at being separated from her own children. "Sanctuary" employs writings ranging from Rumi's thirteenth-century poetry to a soldier's email as it tracks the intransigence of war through history. A theme emerges: one war is like another; history repeats itself as the same mistakes are made again and again as scene in the compelling video footage from wars throughout history. Is it possible to break the cycle? Finally each of the three focal characters discover that peace is inevitable; the answer is love.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time 1:05

More info: www.sanctuarytheplay.com

Seasons by Katie Hammond (lyrics and book) and Elaine Pechacek (music)
Mon, Jan 16 at 9:30 PM; Thur, Jan 19 at 8:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 5:30 PM

This is a new musical by Katie Hammond and Elaine Pechacek, produced for the first time in TSITF. With four characters and little to no spoken dialogue, the story is told through music and song. Spanning the course of one year, "Seasons" is a story about love, delving into the lives of two couples. Helen and Peter are classmates who reconnect at a high school reunion and struggle with an unexpected pregnancy. Hope and Mrs. Jones are a mother and daughter with a close bond, celebrating a recent engagement and grappling with an unwelcome diagnosis. With Kristyn Chalker, Kyle Szen, Katie Hammond and Amy Arbizzani; directed by Danny Williams.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time :90

More info: http://www.pechacekhammond.com/

Superman 2050 by Theater Un-Speak-Able
Thur, Jan 19 at 7:30 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 2:30 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 7:00 PM

This original Superman comedy, set in a fictional Metropolis in the year 2050, is performed by seven actors on a single 3' by 7' platform. At no time do any actors exit the platform, instead they exist as either speaking characters or background objects in each scene. A fast-paced, high-energy show for all ages. A New York premiere performed by Theater Un-Speak-Able, directed by Marc Frost.

"Superman 2050" premiered in April of 2011 at Link’s Hall in Chicago. The show then moved to The Second City where it received another enthusiastic run and a three star review from the Chicago Tribune. In July of 2011 "Superman 2050" went on a five-day Midwest tour performing at theater venues and train stations in Milwaukee, Chicago and the Twin Cities. A documentary film of the tour is currently in post-production.

Space: Theatre 500

Running time :35

More info: http://superman2050.com

The Knocking Within by Wendy Jehlen (dance theater)
Tue, Jan 17 at 6:30 PM; Fri, Jan 20 at 8:30 PM

World premiere of "The Knocking Within" by ANIKAI Dance Theater, choreographed by Wendy Jehlen. This new text-based work looks at insanity and a dysfunctional relationship through texts from four of Shakespeare's tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and Titus Andronicus. The piece is staged as a duet performed choreographer, Wendy Jehlen and Pradhuman Nayak. Performed in English and Hindi.Lighting design by Holly Ko.

Wendy Jehlen is a choreographer of Contemporary Dance whose work is based in Bharata Natyam, Capoeira, West African dance, Butoh and Contemporary dance styles from the US, Europe and Asia. She is the Founder/Artistic Director of ANIKAI Dance, a company based primarily in Boston.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time :55

More info: www.akhra.org/anikaiweb/shakes.html

Woyzeck Musical Deathmetal written and directed by Christopher Carter Sanderson
Wed, Jan 18 at 8:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 3:30 PM; Sun, Jan 22 at 1:00 PM

This is the New York premier of the workshop productions with went up for three days in November at Kentucky Repertory Theatre. An adaptation and translation of Buchner's classic play using mask, puppets, folk, acapella and deathmetal music to tell the story of Woyzeck's descent into madness and murder. The production is heavily musical until the very last scene, where the sheriff speaks clearly of the crime, not singing in any way, dressed in contemporary costume. Then we wonder if "Woyzeck" was ripped out of today's tabloid murder headlines… or set in Woyzeck's hallucinatory world of late-1800's Germany... or is it Norway? A workshop production of Gorilla Rep, written and directed by Christopher Carter Sanderson, directed by Christopher Carter Sanderson, choreographed by Erin Porvaznik, costumes by Mary Anne Davis, lighting design by: Ryan Hauenstein. Cast of nine. Christopher Carter Sanderson founded New York's Gorilla Repertory Theater Company in 1992.

Space: Little Times Square Theatre

Running time n.a.

More info: www.gorillarep.org

Garbo by Joe Gulla (Italy/USA) (staged reading)
Fri, Jan 20 at 6:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 8:00 PM

This short comedy/drama tells the story of Joe, a gay New Yorker enjoying an extended holiday in Rome, Italy. Like any foreigner who visits the Eternal City, Joe's daily life is filled with ever-changing sensorial delights – culture shock at its best! But it is not until he happens upon the tiny, candle-lit Garbo Bar – hidden on a small cobblestoned street in the ancient quarter of Trastevere – that his emotional adventure truly begins! Funny and heartfelt, "Garbo" explores why life and love may be better lived outside the closet... even (or especially) in the shadow of the Vatican! Written by Joe Gulla, directed by Brian Rardin.

Space: Roy Arias Studios

Running time 1:10

More info: http://thetheaterbuff.typepad.com/the-theater-buff/garbo

Times Square Pinero written and directed by Antone Pagan (staged reading)
Fri, Jan 20 at 8:00 PM; Sat, Jan 21 at 6:30 PM

This cabaret-ish piece (set to Conga/ Percussion and music track cues) in intended to bring new awareness and audiences to the work of iconic Playwright/Poet Miguel Pinero, author of the award winning prison classic play "Short Eyes." It features poetry and a theater segment from"Short Eyes" and an excerpt from Pinero's play, "A Midnight Moon at the Greasy Spoon," which was inspired by a Times Square diner that he hung out in during the 1970s. This Project is enhanced by Joe Cuba music and the stylings of Rick "Musicman" Rivera & A.J. Formerly Namaste 3. Minimalist design is by Tony and Emmy Award winner Richard Hoover. Performers include Luis Salgado, Enrique Cruz De Jesus, Ned Eisenberg, Susan Rybin, Jacqueline Ramos, Malachy Murray, Patrick Michael Wickham and original Family Theater members O.G. MacLean and Rick Reid (cast member of the original company of "Short Eyes").

Antone Pagan is privileged, with this New Family Theater ensemble of Players, to continue the spirit of theater inspired decades ago by mentor Marvin "Pancho" Camillo and La Familia, which nurtured Miguel Pinero's talents and developed his works, especially "Short Eyes." He writes, "It is a true blessing to work with Pinero's material and the guiding support of his Pinero Family Estate to ensure that the Pinero legacy is revitalized and respected with the honor it deserves." Space: Roy Arias Studios

Running time N.A.

More info: N.A.

Lecoq Workshop with Paola Coletto
Fri, Jan. 20 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Sat Jan 21 &Sun Jan 22 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Coinciding with the first ever Times Square International Theater Festival, Theater Un-Speak-Able offers Dramatic Storytelling, an exciting master class opportunity for New York actors. Over a three-day period, Paola Coletto will approach - research on the movement of body and voice in play through dynamic study of the four natural elements: earth, air, water and fire, to support the creation of characters; mime and pantomime for the creation of space and nuances of character; directing, writing and adapting through improvisation, using traditional stories from The Brothers Grimm collection of fairy tales, or a story of your own choice! To register, email your interest to: registration@paolacoletto.com.

Space: Roy Arias Studios

General info: www.paolacoletto.com

Contact registration@paolacoletto.com for fees and other questions.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER AND CURATOR
Roy Arias (Producer) has been working as an actor for more than 30 years, in which time has received the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) and the Association of Latino Critics (ACE) Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Extremities" and the OOBR Award for Excellence in a Theatre Production ("King Lear"). His most recent performance was in his show, "Sex On The Beach" (in Spanish), which won him another HOLA Award and an ACE award nomination. His TV credits include recurring roles in "One Life To Live", "The Equalizer" and "100 Center Street." Among his film credits are "School of Rock," "Dinner With Gabriel" and "For Her." He has acted with Shakespeare & Company, Denver Center Theatre, Spanish Repertory Theatre and The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, among others. In the NYC Latino theatre Roy has not only worked in the majority of the theatre companies but is also the founder and Artistic Director of the award- winning company International Studio Theatre. He earned an MFA in Acting from The National Theatre Conservatory and a BA (Cum Laude) from the City University of New York.

Alfred Preisser (Curator) is an award winning director, writer and producer. He has led over 40 professional productions in New York and regionally. For ten years, Mr. Preisser was the Founding Artistic Director of The Classical Theatre of Harlem, where he created a wide and distinguished body of work noted for its physicality, originality, and use of music and dance. Award-winning highlights include his 2009 production of "Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe" starring André De Shields (four Audelco Awards); Melvin Van Peebles' "Ain´t Supposed To Die a Natural Death" (seven Audelcos) and his 2006 production of "King Lear" with André De Shields which opened the 75th Anniversary season at The Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC. He has created critically acclaimed original adaptations of "Medea," "The Trojan Women" and "Electra." Other productions include "Macbeth" (which toured Germany in 2004), "Hamlet," "Day of Absence," "Dream on Monkey Mountain," "Romeo and Juliet" and the recent (and unlikely) hit, "The Man Who Ate Michael Rockefeller" by Jeff Cohen. He directed "It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues" for New Haarlem Arts Theatre last August, which received three Audelco Awards including Musical Production of the Year and Best Director. His work has been recognized with the American Theatre Wing Award (Outstanding Artistic Achievement), Drama Desk Award (Artistic Achievement), Edwin Booth Award (Outstanding Contribution to NYC Theater), Lucille Lortel Award (Outstanding Body of Work), two Obie Awards (Sustained Achievement and Excellence in Theatre) and numerous Audelco Awards.