Independent Shakespeare Co. Presents IMABIC LAB, A Theater Festival Of New Works And Classical Curiosities

Independent Shakespeare Co. (ISC), presenters of the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival and recipients of the 2018 Paul Robeson Award by Actors' Equity Foundation and Actors' Equity Association, announce the annual festival celebrating theater, iambic lab, beginning Saturday, February 2 and running through Sunday, February 17 at the ISC Studio in the Atwater Crossing Arts + Innovation Complex, 3191 Casitas Ave., #130 in Atwater Village.

In its third year, iambic lab is an exploration of new works and classical curiosities through an array of offerings including readings, performances and participatory events.

"Director Anne Bogart says, 'If theater were a verb it would be, to remember.' Even as theater tells new stories it is casting one eye backwards, seeking connection and context. This iambic lab, we are remembering forgotten artists and forgotten history: SEVEN DEVILS AND A FRENCH NUN tells the story of the unlikely stardom of a remarkable medieval nun, by an equally remarkable artist, Carine Montbertrand. C.3.3. : Oscar Wilde IN PRISON by Scott Carter explores Oscar Wilde's time in incarceration and his final days, a part of his life which (despite the plethora of writing about him) has never been dramatized. And THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE is a meta-theatrical romp by a couple of Renaissance playwrights who've been overshadowed by their much more famous peer, Shakespeare. It's time to give Fletcher and Beaumont their due! ISC co-founder, David Melville, is debuting his brand-new solo show examining Renaissance comedy, comics and cocktails (KISS THE BOOK: SHAKESPEARE'S DRUNKS & FOOLS). Add to this the workshops and Shakespeare performance classes and we've got two weeks in which the ISC Studio will be blazing with theatrical excitement."

iambic lab

KISS THE BOOK! SHAKESPEARE'S FOOLS & DRUNKS WITH David Melville

An evening of wit and Elizabethan cocktails

Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 PM

Friday, February 8 at 7:30 PM

Tickets: $25 dry, $40 wet

This unique evening is part performance, part symposium, and thoroughly entertaining. ISC's co-founder takes the audience through the history of the comic actors of Shakespeare's company and performs selections of their most famous roles. Purchase a teetotaling ticket, or imbibe Renaissance cocktails during the show.

SEVEN DEVILS AND A FRENCH NUN

Co-created by performer Carine Montbertrand & director Ron Bashford

Saturday, February 9th at 7:30 PM

Friday, February 15th at 7:30 PM

Tickets: $25-$35

This one-woman bouffon show is based on the true story of Jeanne des Anges, a rebel sex-starved nun who claimed a suave local priest caused her to be possessed by seven devils, each of whom makes an appearance in the show. Many exorcisms, a burning, and a major miracle later, Jeanne became a Saint, touring France as the earliest version of a rock superstar! Carine Montbertrand explores this larger-than-life character with great theatricality and a rude sense of humor. (Note: not recommended for children due to mature language and sexual themes.)

C.3.3. : Oscar Wilde IN PRISON

Written by Scott Carter

A reading of a new play by the Executive Producer of Real Time with Bill Maher

Sunday, February 10th at 2:00 PM & Sunday, February 17 at 2:00 PM

Tickets: Free

The time Oscar Wilde spent in prison for "gross indecency" had a profound impact on his sense of self and lasting repercussions for those that cared for him. This new play is a riotous and headlong exploration of one of the most prolific and entertaining writers of our age: a man who lived, loved, and wrote with abandon.

KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE

Written by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, rather freely adapted by ISC

Saturday, February 16th at 7:30PM

Tickets: Free

A terribly ribald play about a couple of grocers who interrupt a theater company and insist their clerk be cast in a leading role is a delightful, anarchic romp. This is one of ISC's favorite, rarely produced classical plays.

VERSE SPEAKING STUDIO

Tuesday February 5th 2019 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Taught by David Melville

FREE

This introduction to speaking Shakespeare lays out the history of the verse form and why the ISC approach is so effective.

SHAKESPEARE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

Tuesday, February 12th 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Taught by Melissa Chalsma

This class highlights the importance of bold, clear choices when performing classical plays. Students are on their feet and working throughout. It's a perfect introduction to the ISC Studio classes.

Fee: $35

EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT MASK MASTERCLASS

Taught by Carine Montbertrand

Wednesday, February 13th 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Fee: $35

Through neutral mask work, this master class will enhance your physical creativity and awareness, and give you a new way of thinking about stage presence. Carine Montbertrand has taught acting and mask work throughout the US for over two decades.