Richard Poe to Star in 'Fahrenheit 451' in Brooklyn

In their third Celebrate Brooklyn! Engagement, Brave New World Repertory Theatre will present "Fahrenheit 451", based on Ray Bradbury's 1953 groundbreaking science fiction masterpiece and adapted for the stage in the 1970s by Bradbury himself. The outdoor stage of the Prospect Park Bandshell will be transformed as this modern classic comes to life through a dynamic projection design, coupled with the forceful performances for which Brave New World is rightfully known. The one-night-only performance will begin at 8:00 P.M. Like most Celebrate Brooklyn! performances, this evening is free with a suggested donation of $3.

Fahrenheit 451 stars Richard Poe, (recently On Broadway in Cry Baby), Susan Heyward (recently Off-Broadway at the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble in I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady From Rwanda) and BNW co-artistic directors John Edmond Morgan and Claire Beckman. Scenic and lighting design by Greg Mitchell, sound design by Zach Williamson and costume design by Meganne George.

Fahrenheit 451 presents a repressive future American society where reading and critical thought are outlawed and books are burned. The number 451 refers to the temperature at which a book spontaneously ignites. Says Brave New World Producing Artistic Director Claire Beckman, "More than a half a century ago Ray Bradbury imagined the dangerous, numbing effect of reality television, flat screen TV's, iPods, voice-activated appliances, and their threat to critical thinking. Fahrenheit 451 is now!" Using 21st century digital video technology, projection designer Maya Ciarrocchi and Brave New World director Royston Coppenger, (who has also directed independent films) along with the groundbreaking Brave New World company have created the interactive TV show that Bradbury originally wrote for audio in his 1970's script. Says Beckman: "Bradbury imagined that the actors would "watch it" on the fourth wall. We have a perfect opportunity, especially at the Bandshell, to show just how prescient his idea really was. It's a great send-up of reality TV. I am hopeful that after seeing our production, people will turn off the box and pick up a book. I know that is what Bradbury wants."
 
Brave New World's previous Celebrate Brooklyn! engagements were the critically acclaimed productions of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and The Great White Hope, in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The company also staged To Kill a Mockingbird on the front porches of a tree-lined Ditmas Park street in 2005.

Photo by Walter McBride/ Retna Ltd.

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