Epic Theatre Center Changes Name to Epic Theatre Ensemble
The Founding Producers and Board of Directors of Epic Theatre Center have voted to officially change the company's name to Epic Theatre Ensemble effective September 4, 2007. The announcement was made by Founding Producer Zak Berkman.
Berkman stated, "As our organization enters its seventh season, we wish to emphasize the artist-run nature of our company. Replacing 'Center' with 'Ensemble' will more accurately reflect Epic's identity as a collective of actors, writers, directors, educators and activists who share a passion for utilizing the theatre to empower voices, foster dialogue, inspire self-exploration and spur social change."
"Epic Theatre Ensemble's programming Off Broadway and in public high schools throughout New York City is influenced by the work of Bertolt Brecht's Berliner Ensemble and Edward Bond's definition of 'Epic Theatre.' In the classroom and on stage, Epic is committed to developing and presenting radical adaptations of classic plays side-by-side with adventurous new work in an aesthetic that is poetic, political and prizes the mind as much as the heart."
Winner of OBIE, Lucille Lortel and OTTO Awards, Epic Theatre Ensemble was founded in 2001 by Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Teri Lamm, Ron Russell and James Wallert. Additional Producing Artists are Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. and Sarah Winkler. Epic's past productions include Nilaja Sun's No Child..., which Epic commissioned, developed and premiered before its commercial transfer and national tour, as well as premieres of Beauty on the Vine by Zak Berkman (featuring Epic Associates David Strathairn and Olivia Wilde), Hannah and Martin by Kate Fodor (featuring David Strathairn), Einstein's Gift by Vern Thiessen (featuring Aasif Mandvi and Shawn Elliott), Habitat by Judith Thompson and revivals of GB Shaw's Widowers' Houses (with Peter Jay Fernandez), Little Eyolf by Henrik Ibsen and Time and the Conways by J.B. Priestley.
Epic Theatre Ensemble's Seventh Season will begin in September. Production and casting will be announced shortly.