Migliaccio's Kafka Series Heads Off-Broadway, 9/15-10/28

Black Moon Theatre Company will present The Kafka Series-- Rene Migliaccio's world-premiere multi-media adaptation of The Trial and his acclaimed multi-media adaptation of The Metamorphosis, both based on the classic novels of Franz Kafka -- performed in repertory, September 15-October 28 at The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center's Teatro LA TEA (107 Suffolk Street) in Manhattan.
 
"In adapting Franz Kafka's novels for the stage, award-winning director Rene Migliaccio blends 'Expressionistic Realism,' original music, dance, and black and white film shot in the German Expressionistic style to create a unique theatrical/cinematic hybrid. Each production strives to create an immediate interaction between theatre and cinema: creating synergy between the actors on stage and the ones on film," state press notes.
 
"The Trial, first published in 1925, tells the story of one man's unfortunate encounter with an irrational, all-powerful judicial system. Migliaccio's world-premiere adaptation of The Trial, set in the wake of 9/11, explores how a democratic society blindly assigns guilt or innocence to select people on the basis of their race."  The story concerns "Joseph K., a man who is arrested by a secret court and must determine why he is under arrest, what crime he is accused of committing and who is accusing him." 
 
The Trial will star Yasser Akhtar, a Shai Pakistani actor who "has personally experienced intense scrutiny solely because of his ethnicity since the events of September 11th." Joining him will be Brenda Cooney, Yvette Feuer, Steve Howe, John Maurice, Leah Rudick, Deven Sisler, Lori M. Vincent and Gabriel Williams. The production features an original score by Amaury Groc, film co-direction by Vinz Feller and co-produced with Toy Box Productions, lighting design by Russell Drapkin, set and costume design by Mario V. Leite; photography by Melanie Grizzel, and masks by Deven Sisler.
 
The Metamorphosis "tells the story of Gregor Samsa who awakens one morning to discover that overnight he has been transformed into an insect (a Butoh-inspired performance). As life continues around him, Samsa struggles to find his place in a world where he feels isolated and helpless."  The production was initially presented at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2001, and has since been staged in the U.S and internationally, including a popular and critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Metamorphosis features film co-direction by Vinz Feller; scenic design by Venantius J Pinto, costume design by Roxana Ramseur, make-up design by Nadia Fadeeva, and director of photography Damian Ward. The production co-stars an international cast of 10 including Eric Pettigrew, Jiuen Lee and Juliette Morel on stage coupled with the film featuring Jeb Berrier, Natia Dune, Jay Gaussoin, Celeste Hastings, Barrett Odgen, Frank Schneider and Brit Whitton.
 
Migliaccio, who received a Best Director Award from the Los Angeles Drama League for Armageddon Outta Here, has directed productions, among others, of Deathwatch, Awake and Sing!, Fear and Misery in the Third Reich, The Servant of Two Masters and Nosferatu.
 
The Trial runs September 22-October 28; Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30pm. The Metamorphosis runs September 15-October 28; Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. All performances are at The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center's Teatro LA TEA (107 Suffolk Street, between Delancey and Rivington Streets).  Tickets are $20; students $12. For reservations, call 212-352-3101 or online at www.TheaterMania.com.
 
For more information, visit www.blackmoontheatrecompany.org.