Imaginary Beasts to Premiere KNOCK! THE DANIIL KHARMS PROJECT, 9/27-10/18

imaginary beasts invites audiences into the strange and comical world of Russian writer Daniil Kharms, where a simple knock on the door can lead to redemption or the ultimate end. The inventive stage troupe will bring Kharms's work to life this fall in KNOCK! ? THE DANIIL KHARMS PROJECT, a world premiere and once-in-a-lifetime event. Working with carefully curated selections of his micro-prose, short plays, and poetry in new translations by Irina Yakubovskaya and adapted by the ensemble, the beasts have assembled an evening high theatricality and wit.

A rare glimpse into one of Stalinist Russia's lost voices, KNOCK! follows a troupe of madmen, fools, and geniuses on an odyssey filled with chance encounters and mysterious happenstances, dead ends and false mustaches. is a collage that unfolds to reveal an exponentially expanding universe. You'll meet IAKOV, the sled-puller (a character loosely based on an associate of Kharms's, played by Michael Chodos), as he attempts to evade an ever-encroaching danger while THE WRITER himself (William Schuller) conjures an improbable cast of characters that disgust and delight at once. KNOCK! is a series of hilarious, strange, and poignant vignettes featuring a stellar ensemble that includes beasts favorites Molly Kimmerling, Sarah Gazdowicz, and IRNE nominees Joey C. Pelletier and Michael Underhill. (The full ensemble can be found below). IRNE-nominated director Matthew W. Woods helms the production and IRNE winners and resident designers Cotton Talbot-Minkin (costumes) and Chris Bocchiaro (lighting) return to create a world that is simultaneously Vaudevillian and Beckettian. Known for their striking physical work and production designs, imaginary beasts promises to terrorize and thrill with their latest production. Don't miss this new and exciting work.

KNOCK! will be presented in rep with FIRST OF ALL, SECOND OF ALL, a play for children and their and families adapted from a story by Kharms and performed by the Wee Beasties ensemble (Michael Chodos, Libby Schap, Noah Simes, Kaitee Tredway). FIRST OF ALL, SECOND OF ALL is a light-hearted romp through a topsy-turvy world directed by imaginary beasts artistic associate Michael Underhill. The play will weave short poems and children's stories by Kharms with the tale of a merry band of misfits-including the smallest man on Earth, the tallest man on Earth, a Donkey, and two ordinary friends - on an ever-unfolding journey of discovery. Though his oeuvre of work for adults is expansive, during his lifetime Kharms only published children's literature. FIRST OF ALL, SECOND OF ALL will play during matinee performances beginning October 3 through October 18. A ticket discount is available for those wishing to see both productions.

THE DANIIL KHARMS PROJECT runs Friday - Sunday, September 27 through October 18, 2014 with two special Thursday performance and one special Wednesday performances during the third and fourth weeks of the production. Ticket prices vary. See details below for more detailed information on times and how to obtain tickets. The cast and production team will be available for comment and interviews.