LIFE ON A DESERT ISLAND Continues Playing In NYC Parks Through August

"Life on a Desert Island" - an interactive guide to surviving the wilderness and respecting the environment, based on Daniel Defoe's 1719 classic story of Robison Crusoe, is now playing in a one-man outdoor spectacle play this summer, following its premiere in both Central Park (68th Street and Central Park West, just northwest of Sheep's Meadow) - performances continue August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 4:30PM and Brooklyn's Prospect Park (5th Street, Next to Litchfield Villa) August 2, 9 and 16 - at 4:30PM. The show is free and open to the general public. No tickets or reservations are needed. Audiences may bring blankets and folding chairs. For show information and schedule, please visit the Theatre-Playground website, www.theatreplayground.com, or call (646) 964-7007.

Robinson Crusoe, an English adventurer, finds himself the only survivor of a shipwreck on an island off the coast of Trinidad. Crusoe must find a way to survive on the island and overcome his fear of solitude. "Life on a Desert Island" is more than just the story of the adventures of a bearded man stranded on an island; it is also a spectacle about civilization. In his adventure in the wilderness, he follows the path from gatherer of plants, to hunter, to farmer and to craftsman. You will see skills that Crusoe conquers: how to identify edible plants, how make a shelter, a bow and arrow, a net, a trap, how to plant crops, and how to make a boat. The play is truly an adventure that addresses the eternal questions: how does one overcome silence, loneliness, fear, and how does one become a persevering and responsible person? "Life on a Desert Island" is a guide about surviving the wilderness and unity with the environment. The play is a timely reminder of how perilous life can be and how resourceful we can become in the face of adversity.

"We are happy to announce we're using all-natural materials and we've created a special play to be presented in the New York City Parks to give children of all ages the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of an interactive theatre piece, while at the same time, learning to respect nature. This adaptation is Theatre-Playground's premiere production in New York City," says Voijn Paunovic, Director and Theatre-Playground Co-Founder. Paunovic and Biljana Ilic, the show's producer and Theatre-Playground co-founder, first staged "Life on Desert Island" in Belgrade, Serbia where it has been running for seven years.

"Life on a Desert Island" has been adapted from Defoe's popular novel by the playwright Ugljesa Sajtinac, one of the most acclaimed playwrights of the young generation of Serbian artists. In this production the role of Robinson Crusoe will be played by both Samuel Kirk and Jason Vance (pictured below) as they rotate the role of the adventurer in multiple performances around the city.

Theatre -Playground Productions is an independent theatre company founded in 2003 in Belgrade. Theatre-Playground has produced two plays that have been running for seven years on its own open-air stage. The concept of the Belgrade production is unique: it is an interactive theatre for children - the playground is the set! When children visit the playground, they can re-live "Life on a Desert Island" or choose to create their own adventures. Paunovic's first professional production ran for more than twelve years. In addition, he's directed over 20 productions in Serbia. Biljana Ilic has more than ten years of international experience in media, TV, film, and theatre.More information about the company, cast, crew, production, plus full show schedule can be found at: http://theatreplayground.com, in addition to the companies Facebook page located at "Theatre-Playground Productions."

"Life On A Desert Island" - 2009 Summer Performance Schedule and Details:

- Manhattan Shows in Central Park (68th Street and Central Park West - just northwest of Sheep's Meadow) - August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 4:30PM

AND

-Brooklyn Shows in Prospect Park (5th Street, next to Litchfield Villa) - August 2, 9 and 16 at 4:30PM

The show is one-hour in length, and is performed without an intermission. Admission is free and open to the public; there are no reservations or tickets. Families and children of all ages are welcome - bringing blankets and folding chairs is optional.

Additional performances and locations may be added, please check back on the shows website for updates: www.theatreplayground.com.