Off-Bway's Jean Cocteau Repertory Theater Folds

Variety reports that after over thirty-five years in the theatre business, leading Off-Broadway company the Jean Cocteau Repertory Theater has closed. The owners of the Bouwerie Lane Theater, home of the Jean Cocteau since 1974, had recently doubled the theater's rent. There is no word yet on who will be the next tenant to occupy the space.

Founded by the late Eve Adamson in 1971, the acting company had seen five longtime members quit to form the Phoenix Theater Ensemble in 2004. The Jean Cocteau had also recently suffered through a revolving door of leadership changes, board member resignations, and a failed partnership with New Orleans-based EgoPo in 2006, which disbanded after their maiden production, a take on Jean Genet's The Maids, angered the renowned playwright's estate.

The company's Ari Edelson (artistic director), Peter Finn (board chairman), and Jennifer Sanders (managing director) have already formed the Exchange in place of the Jean Cocteau. The Exchange's run will officially begin April 15 on Theater Row with the North American Premiere of Realism by Anthony Neilson, and Jump! by Lisa McGhee premiering April 20.  For more information, visit www.exchangenyc.org.

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