Rising Sun Performance Company Announces 2019 Season

Rising Sun Performance Company (RSPC) under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Akia Squitieri, is pleased to announce their 2019 season. The critically-acclaimed company kicks off their season with an immersive 1920's themed speakeasy on April 13 at South Oxford Space, Brooklyn.

Their season continues with the New York premiere of John Patrick Bray's new play, Friendly's Fire, directed by Anna Hogan. The production runs May 3rd -19th at the 14th Street Y.

In May, the company will be back at Governors Island with for their annual Artists in Residency program. The residency will run through August.

Shhh.. It's a Speakeasy - An Immersive Themed Theatrical Event

Saturday, April 13th at 7:00 pm at South Oxford Space, Brooklyn

Step back in time with the RSPC Ensemble for some roaring 20s style fun! Enter the world of Charlie's speak-easy & casino, where booze flows freely, card players are fast, the girls are floozy, and the Jazz is Red Hot. Set in an immersive environment, audience members can dance, mingle and play with the sordid characters of the 1920s underworld. There will be beer, wine & Bubbly and non-alcoholic drinks (for those of you into temperance). Games, prizes, dancing girls, Light snacks and live entertainment are also on tap. Dress to impress. 1920s style is highly encouraged. The Door password is "Jeepers Creepers." 21 and older.

The Great Room @ South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, New York 11217. Tickets and info available at http://risingsunnyc.com/shhh-its-a-speakeasy1.html

Friendly's Fire - New York Premiere

Written by John Patrick Bray, directed by Anna Hogan
May 3rd -19th at the 14th Street Y

In a cabin in Alaska, Guy Friendly, a Gulf War veteran and bee-herder, has just had a tooth stolen during casual sex. His best friend Todd, a pawn-shop owner dressed as an astronaut, finds Friendly in a fevered state. Trapped by the snow, Todd has little choice but enter Friendly's fevered dream, to unravel the events of the night before - and the events of the Gulf War that led Friendly to becoming a shut-in. An homage to Western movies, He-Man action figures, and the playwright's belief as a child that the Sesame Street Muppet Guy Smiley was in fact God, Friendly's Fire shows us to what lengths one man will go to preserve the sanity of his friend - a veteran who lost his brother in service to our country.

Tickets and info available at www.risingsunnyc.com/friendlys-fire

Artist in Residency Program Laboratorium on Governors Island

May 4th - August 4th at Colonels Row, Building 407 on Governors Island

Laboratorium is a new works incubator culminating with public presentations in a non-traditional environment that allow audiences & artists to connect informally and socially while supporting new work. The Lab's primary focus is allowing artists to focus on the development of their projects, without the pressure of a full production.

This Lab is a weekly program with free public presentations. These presentations can be readings, fully or partially staged excerpts and devised/site specific pieces that are 20 - 60 minutes in length. Selected works (in various stages of development) will include scripted musical scores, devised/non - scripted works, and movement-based pieces. All Laboratorium performances are free and open to the Public.

Additional programming will include their free Theatre for Young Audiences performances on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Selected works & artists to be announced.

Rising Sun Performance Company

Founded in September of 2001, Rising Sun Performance Company is dedicated to producing ensemble-based work. It is run by artists for artists to allow them to create their own opportunities. RSP is the full-time artistic home for a wide range of theatrical artists including performers, designers, directors, playwrights and arts administrators.

Since its inception, RSP has produced over 200 productions, readings & theatrical events including their mainstage productions, the development of countless new full length & one act plays- from both NYC & Nationally based playwrights, a musical cabaret series, variety shows, free outdoor performances, theatre for young audiences program, and immersive themed theatrical experiences.

RSP is well known for their sold-out critically acclaimed productions of The Glory of Living, Goodnight Lovin' Trail, The Shape of Things, An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein, Hellcab The Last Supper, Fool for Love, Bug, Brilliant Traces, and last year's production of ÉLÉPHANT. RSP has been Artist in Residence at Horse TRADE Theater Group, The Field's Far Space, Hosteling International and Space on White. The company has received 7 New York Innovative Theatre Award Nominations, 30 PCTF nominations, 9 awards from Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, and is a 5-time FRIGID NY Festival award winner.

Additional info can be found at www.risingsunnyc.com

About the Theater at the 14th Street Y

The Theater at the 14th Street Y focuses on social awareness and change through big picture narrative. Inspired by works that welcome artists of all backgrounds, we place artists at the heart of our community and seek to create an inclusive and open cultural experience for all. Art is incubated here. www.14streety.org

About Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor nestled between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. Eight minutes from the energy and excitement of the City, the Island is a popular seasonal destination open to the public May 1-October 31. An award-winning new park is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, educational and cultural facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Looking ahead, the Island will be activated year-round as a sustainable campus for learning and entrepreneurship, with plans for expanded commercial and non-profit uses in its future.

For more information, visit www.govisland.org