Rorschach Theatre Announces Revival of NEVERWHERE

Rorschach Theatre announces a revival of NEVERWHERE (2013), Robert Kauzlaric's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's modern cult classic about a man who stumbles upon adventure in a dangerous and magical world that exists below the streets of London.

Rorschach will embark on a Kickstarter fundraising campaign for the revival from July 16 to August 14. Tickets for Neil Gaiman's NEVERWHERE will be available through the Atlas Performing Arts Center on July 5.

THE PLAY & PRODUCTION

"Directed by Jenny McConnell Frederick, this visually stunning production delivers a tried and true justice to the phantasmagorical magnificence that is Gaiman's work. A brilliantly haunting tale with cracks of sparkling magic woven seamless into every element of the production, it's the most mystifying show you'll see all season."

- DC Metro Theatre Arts

When Richard Mayhew stumbles upon an injured young woman on the streets of London, he has no idea that he has also stumbled upon the fantastical world of London Below. Sucked into the realm of monsters, tricksters, beasts and angels, Richard Learns that life is far more interesting than you can imagine ... if you just know where to look. Neil Gaiman's heralded cult-classic novel returns to Rorschach Theatre in a vivid immersive experience. New ideas and reimagined design elements will join many of the original cast in a production that retains the energy of the original while recognizing some of the suddenly relevant details.

"NEVERWHERE is, first and foremost, an epic fantasy adventure that explores the journey to become a hero. Digging deeper though, it's an exploration of class, privilege and the consequences of looking past those in need." says Director and Rorschach Co-Artistic Director Jenny McConnell Frederick "As universal as those themes are, there's a sharp poignancy to exploring them in this particular moment of social and political chaos."

Many of the key cast members from Rorschach's 2013 production will return for the revival; they'll be joined by an intrepid team of newcomers ready to embark on their first journey to London Below. Look for a full cast announcement coming later this summer.

Neil Gaiman & NEVERWHERE

Neil Gaiman came to world acclaim thanks to his seminal comic book series THE SANDMAN and went on to become an author of short fiction, novels, audio theatre and films. His most famous works include the novels STARDUST, AMERICAN GODS, CORALINE, THE GRAVEYARD BOOK and his latest novel THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE which was released in June. He has won numerous awards, including The Newbery Medal, The Hugo Award, The Nebula Award, The Bram Stoker award and the Carnegie Medal among many others.

NEVERWHERE began as a 1996 teleplay for the BBC and was released as a novel in the same year. It quickly became a cult-classic and much beloved story inspiring numerous adaptations and translations. NEVERWHERE has found life on the radio twice and continues to attract fans of all ages around the world. Gaiman's unique blend of the modern and the mythic has captivated audiences in print, film, television and now the stage.

Neil Gaiman lives with his wife songwriter and performer Amanda Palmer near Menomonie, Wisconsin and also resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

THE PLAYWRIGHT/ADAPTOR

Robert Kauzlaric is a Chicago-based playwright, director, and actor. He has written twenty theatrical adaptations which have been performed all across the US, as well as in England, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and Canada. The New York Times called his adaptation of THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! "One of the best children's shows of the year." His version of THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU received five of Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Awards, including New Adaptation and Best Production; his adaptation of Neil Gaiman's NEVERWHERE received the Jeff Award for New Adaptation; and his treatments of THE PICTURE OF DORIan Gray and NORTHANGER ABBEY were both nominated for New Adaptation. Four of his plays are licensed by Playscripts, Inc, and he has been published in Dramatics Magazine.

THE SPACE

A landmark of the newly revitalized H Street, NE neighborhood, the Atlas stood vacant for years until it was re-opened as the Atlas Performing Arts Center in November, 2006 following an extensive four-year renovation. Its 60,000 square foot complex includes four theatres, three dance studios, administrative offices, dressing rooms, lobbies, a café and production and rehearsal spaces. The center is home to a diverse group of locally renowned theatre and dance companies, symphony orchestras, choral groups and arts education programs. Its mission includes serving the greater metropolitan DC area as well as being the artistic heart of its immediate community.

In the past Rorschach Theatre has performed in a greenhouse, a back-alley art gallery, the lobby of 16th Street JCC, the former sanctuary of a Methodist Church in Columbia Heights, Georgetown University's Performing Arts Center and in the basement of a Lutheran Church in Georgetown.

ABOUT RORSCHACH THEATRE

Through uncommon uses of environment and intimate passionate performances, Rorschach Theatre seeks to lure its audiences beyond the limits of ordinary theatrical experience so that they may discover new elements of their own humanity.

Rorschach Theatre is a company that has received significant acclaim for its fierce performance style, its bold use of theatrical space and its dedication to challenging works that are at once relevant and timeless. The company's work has focused on helping to reveal the contemporary relevance of fable, finding magic in rough spaces, connecting timeless works to a contemporary audience.

Rorschach Theatre has produced more than three dozen plays seen by more than 50,000 people in Washington area. They have been nominated for seven Helen Hayes Awards, been a finalist for the Mayor's Arts Award for Outstanding Emerging Artists and been the recipients of two Young Artists grants and two Artist Fellowship Grants from the DC Commission for the Art and Humanities. Rorschach Theatre won a Mary Goldwater award in 2006 and many Rorschach artists have won Mary Goldwater awards for their work with the company. The company's work has garnered the attention of The New York Times, The Washington Post, American Theatre Magazine and National Public Radio, as well as countless local publications. The company has become, "proof that limited resources do not stymie great talents, any more than big budgets can squeeze works of genius from mediocre minds." (Washington Post)

Rorschach Theatre is a member of the LEAGUE OF WASHINGTON THEATRES and THE CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF GREATER WASHINGTON.

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