Fire Dept, Founded by LaBute, Etc., Launches a 'SpeakEasy'

Artistic directors Jessica Blank (The Exonerated), Erica Gould, and Audrey Rosenberg announced today the creation of a new theater company, The Fire Dept.

"The Fire Dept is made up of established and emerging writers, directors, actors and designers who have come together to create and produce work that cannot be replicated inside a television box or on a movie screen...The work of The Fire Dept combines the rigor and structure of great narrative storytelling with the vitality of formal experimentation to immerse audiences in a total experience that leaves them awake, alive and transformed," according to press materials.  The Fire Dept is dedicated to the development of new plays as well as vital re-interpretations of existing works.  

The founding members of The Fire Dept include: Kathleen Chalfant, Constance Congdon, Chuck Cooper, Anton Dudley, Peter Gallagher, Janeane Garafalo, Jeff Goldblum, Judith Hawking, Brian Keith Jackson, Erik Jensen, Toby Jones, Rajiv Joseph, Carson Kreitzer, Neil LaBute, Harry Lennix, Matthew Modine, Dael Orlandersmith, Theresa Rebeck, Jose Rivera, Jake Robards, Rebecca Wisocky.
 
The Artistic Advisory Board comprises: Peter Askin, Jill Clayburgh, Emily Mann, Lynn Redgrave, Marian Seldes, Sam Waterston.
 
The Fire Dept's launch event, SpeakEasy, will take place at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater from October 22-24th.
 
"Outside, strange and unfamiliar streets; inside, the SpeakEasy: a magical world, long-dormant, where nothing is as it seems.  The audience enters, the doors shut, and the 'ride' begins.  In a New York City something like our own, a performance space awakens and sees itself. Strongmen, snake charmers, showgirls and musicians turn neo-vaudeville on its head and surround the audience with things strange, unexpected and full of odd delight. But other forces are at work tonight."
 
"Staged environmentally, SpeakEasy features compelling new writing by The Fire Dept founding members Rob Ackerman, Suzanne Bradbeer, Anton Dudley, Brian Keith Jackson, Rajiv Joseph, Laurence Klavan, Carson Kreitzer, Neil LaBute, Edwin Sanchez, Theresa Rebeck, and Sheri Wilner; with music by Nick Hallett and Stefania de Kenessey."

Directed by Erica Gould, the 80-minute piece grew out of a short play by LaBute featuring Mos Def that Gould directed for the MCC Benefit at Circle in the Square in January, 2005. Tickets can be purchased at The Public Theater Box Office or through Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com. Casting for SpeakEasy will be announced shortly.

There will also be an upcoming Salon Series that will feature readings of new plays as well as discussions with the artists, among other individuals.

Visit www.thefiredept.org for more information.