LAByrinth Theater & Elephant Theatre Company Announce New Bi-Coastal Partnership

The LAByrinth Theater Company (Artistic Co-Directors Stephen Adly Guirgis, Mimi O'Donnell, Yul Vázquez; Managing Director Danny Feldman) and the Elephant Theatre Company (Artistic Director, David Fofi; Managing Director, Lindsay Allbaugh) in Los Angeles have announced today a new bi-coastal partnership between the two acclaimed ensemble-based companies.

The partnership begins in November when The Elephant presents the West Coast premiere of The Little Flower of East Orange by Stephen Adly Guirgis, a play that premiered at LAByrinth Theater Company as a co-production with The Public Theater in 2008. At the same time, in Los Angeles, LAByrinth will present the World Premiere of Intríngulis, written and performed by Carlo Alban, a one-man show which has been developed by LAB. The partnership also includes ensemble members from both companies working closely together, participating in writing workshops, play readings and master classes.

LAB Co-Artistic Director said "We at LAByrinth are big fans of the stellar work of Dave Fofi and his ensemble of actors at The Elephant, and as an ensemble driven company ourselves, LAByrinth is excited to explore opportunities to work together with The Elephant to present and host vibrant new work and home grown theater that bridges the gap between New York and L.A."

The two like-minded companies were introduced to each other when Elephant Theatre Company artistic director, David Fofi, directed the award-winning West Coast premiere of In Arabia We'd All Be Kings by Stephen Adly Guirgis in 2006 bringing home 4 Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle Awards including Best Production and Best Writing, as well as 2 Garland Awards for Best Direction and Best Ensemble.

"The hope is that the two companies can find a home away from home with each other and bring their work to the opposite coasts" said Elephant Theatre Artistic Director David Fofi.

The Elephant is currently in rehearsals for the West Coast premiere of The Little Flower of East Orange by Stephen Adly Guirgis, an inter-generational ghost story set in The Bronx at a charity hospital, that receives its first production outside of NY. Directed by David Fofi, performances begin November 5, 2010 for a limited run through December 19, 2010 at the Lillian Theatre (1076 Lillian Way, L.A.). Tickets are available at www.elephantstages.com and go on sale Tuesday, October 19, 2010.

The LAByrinth will present Intringulis, written and performed by Carlo Alban with direction by David Anzuelo in repertory with Little Flower of East Orange. Novelist, sniper, television personality, delinquent youth. Window washer, tourist, Beelzebub, idealist youth. Vigilante, rock star wannabe, minuteman, apolitical youth. Illegal immigrant. These are the people in your neighborhood. Carlo Alban will inhabit them all, taking the stage in this solo piece. At the heart of the play is the story of Carlo's family and their move from Ecuador to the United States when Carlo was seven - leaving behind four of his older siblings - and their subsequent economic, legal and social battles. Interspersed are performances of 1960s Latin American protest songs, which speak of the political struggles and the hope for social change that have inspired artists around the world for decades.

Intringulis begins performances begin November 9 for a limited run through December 9, 2010 at the Lillian Theatre (1076 Lillian Way, L.A.). Tickets are available at www.labtheater.org and go on sale Tuesday, October 19th.

LAByrinth Theater Company (Artistic Directors Stephen Adly Guirgis, Mimi O'Donnell, Yul Vázquez; Managing Director Danny Feldman) was founded in 1992 by a group of actors who wanted to push their artistic limits, hone their craft, and create new plays that truly reflected their experience. Today, LAByrinth is comprised of more than 120 established and emerging theater artists from a wide array of cultural perspectives. The inclusive, multicultural ensemble encourages all members to write, act, direct, and design, and supports multidisciplinary growth and exploration in the creation of daring new work that celebrates the diversity of its New York City home.

Now in its nineteenth season, LAByrinth has developed over 300 new plays and staged 51 productions, including The Little Flower of East Orange, UNCONDITIONAL (2008), A View from 151st Street and Jack Goes Boating (2007), A Small, Melodramatic Story and School of The Americas (2006), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (2005), Sailor's Song and Guinea Pig Solo (2004), Dutch Heart of Man and Dirty Story (2003), Our Lady of 121st Street (2002), Where's My Money? (2001), Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train (2000), and In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings (1999).

Elephant Theatre Company (David Fofi, Artistic Director; Lindsay Allbaugh, Producing Director), in 1995, was created by graduates from the California State Long Beach theatre Arts Program. Focused on their desire to continue their craft after graduation they renovated a warehouse space in the once Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in downtown Los Angeles. After pulling together some of the most talented writers, actors, directors and minds they had worked with over the years they opened a 45-seat theatre and called it the Elephant off Main. In 1995, the Elephant theatre Company (Elephant off Main) was created by graduates from the California State Long Beach theatre Arts Program. Focused on their desire to continue their craft after graduation they renovated a warehouse space in the once Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in downtown Los Angeles. After pulling together some of the most talented writers, actors, directors and minds they had worked with over the years they opened a 45-seat theatre and called it the Elephant off Main. This eclectic space became the home to more than 50 artists who successfully performed, directed and produced nine productions. At this time the goal of this new company and its founders was to produce a new brand of quality original theatre in Los Angeles. In the summer of 1997, the small 45-seat theatre could no longer accommodate the advancing production needs or the increasing audience attendance. The E.O.M. then moved to Hollywood and produced several critically acclaimed original works at various Los Angeles venues. All the while, not losing sight of their original goal and continuing to incorporate new and dedicated members. 1998/99 saw many positive changes for the Elephant Theatre Company. As three of the original creators moved on to pursue other avenues of their careers David Fofi made the decision to continue the journey. Along with Founding member Don Cesario and in association with Gary Blumsack, built a new home for the Elephant called the Lillian theatre. Dave and Don serve as the company's Producing Artistic Directors. After weeks of demolition and renovation David, Don & Gary rolled up the doors to the Lillian theatre located in Hollywood, CA. Since January of 1999, The Lillian theatre has not only been home to Elephant Company productions but many visiting Productions as well. Continuing with the momentum and again expanding on the original Elephant Mission Statement, Dave and Don made the decision to move forward to develop a Second Stage. The Elephant Space located within the same building as the Lillian theatre, to serve as the Company's resident home. It is also available to visiting production companies, artists, and theatre groups alike. After months of renovation, the Elephant Space opened its doors with an original Company script. 2000/01 they add a third and fourth space, a classroom studio and The Lab theatre. With these additions came the necessity to form the business/producing entity called Elephant Stageworks, overseeing both venue operations and theatre Company endeavors. In 2003 the final piece was added with the opening of the Elephant Asylum theatre. The complex will not only be a forum for live productions but additional space for workshops, play readings, classes, improvisational exercises, recitals, art exhibits and whatever lends itself to the creative nature of the spaces. With dedication, hard work, and tenacity in an environment where risks can be taken with impunity and integrity, Elephant Stageworks is committed to forging new ground and exploring innovative concepts while pushing the boundaries of Contemporary Theatre.

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