Phoenix Ensemble News

Sold to a blind beggar as a child and then passed from one master to another - each more cruel and incompetent than the previous - young Lazarillo must pilfer and deceive to survive, and is usually punished for his pains. But like his literary successors Pinocchio or Huck Finn, the endearing Lazarillo learns to fake miracles and mouse infestations, to expose hucksters and the absurdities of the establishment, all in an attempt to elevate his position in society. Based on the first picaresque novel once banned by the Inquisition, this modern interpretation set in the Bronx of the 1980s integrates hip-hop, circus and comedia dell'arte traditions to create a vibrant evening of physical theatre. Bilingual.

La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades was a pioneering book in many ways, and not just because it was published in 1554, barely 100 years after the printing press was invented. At a time when heroes and leaders were always portrayed as wealthy, refined noblemen, Lazarillo was the first picaresque novel (picaresco) - one that revolved around a poor man, a charming rogue (pícaro) whose antics revealed the hypocrisies and flaws of Spain's most powerful people.

"The Inquisition of Lazarillo: Raising the Question" is a conversation series that will accompany this year's production Lazarillo.

La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades was a pioneering book in many ways, and not just because it was published in 1554, barely 100 years after the printing press was invented. At a time when heroes and leaders were always portrayed as wealthy, refined noblemen, Lazarillo was the first picaresque novel (picaresco) - one that revolved around a poor man, a charming rogue (pícaro) whose antics revealed the hypocrisies and flaws of Spain's most powerful people.

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble begins its 6th season with the addition of four new Artistic Directors: Brian Costello, Kelli Holsopple, Kathleen Ferman-Menino, and Joseph Menino, who join current Phoenix Ensemble Artistic Directors Elise Stone, Craig Smith, Michael Surabian and Amy Wagner.