Luna Theater to Present A CLOCKWORK ORANGE at New Venue, 10/19-11/9

Luna Theater Company unveils its brand-new theater venue with the Philadelphia premiere of Anthony Burgess's "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE." Performances run from October 19th through November 9th, at The Luna Theater in the Bella Vista neighborhood: 620 S. 8th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. Tickets are $15-$25 and can be purchased by visiting www.lunatheater.org or calling 215-704-0033.

A Clockwork Orange is a disturbing tale of extreme violence and its repercussions on the individual and on society. This fresh interpretation by Luna Theater Company, utlizes a commedia dell'arte style of expression that incorporates masks, music and movement. In the story, Alex and his vicious gang wreak merciless violence wherever they turn. Eventually, these actions lead them to murder-with Alex inadvertently taking the fall. In prison, he is forced to make a choice: remain locked-up as a vicious animal or be released back into the world but lose everything he knows.

Commedia dell'arte is a form of theater characterized by masked "types" and is thought to be responsible for the advent of improvised performances. This Italian theatrical form flourished throughout Europe from the 14th through the 18th century. Italian theater historians believe commedia was the first entirely professional form of theater.

Since 2002, the Luna Theater Company has focused on producing works that are intimate, intelligent, intense and that delve into the human psyche. Luna has twice been honored with Philadelphia Weekly's 'Play of the Year': "Grace" by Craig Wright (2008) and "Blasted" by Sarah Kane (2011).

Luna Theater Company has achieved that long sought-after accomplishment that makes history for any small, local company: establishing a permanent performance space. Through the "Partners for Sacred Places" program, Luna entered into a partnership with the Church of the Crucifixion, at 8th & Bainbridge. The Luna Theater has recently taken over a majority of the Parish House and turned it into Philadephia's newest performance space. Luna is working overtime to get the renovations completed in time to produce its full 2013-14 season in its new home.