Turtle Shell Presents New Translation of Moliere's 'Scapin'

Turtle Shell Productions is proud to present the world premiere of a new translation of Moliere's Scapin, beginning with a preview on December 5 and opening on December 7 at The Turtle's Shell Theater in Manhattan.

Written late in his career, yet often considered a throwback to Moliere's earlier work, this new translation of Scapin by Scott McCrea uncovers surprisingly rich, varied and uncolloquial language that is often overlooked in other translations of this Commedia Dell'Arte work. McCrea believes that his translation is closer to Moliere's original intent, which was to focus on the essential comedy and to capture the character of Scapin as a social climber who thinks of himself as being better than he is.

Director Shawn Rosza's innovative adaptation of McCrea's translation pays homage to Commedia but sets the action in the 1970's in "Itty Bitty Italy", a tiny village whose yearly festival provides the backdrop for a veritable carnival of uproarious characters and their antics, none more outrageous than the rascally Scapin. Set designer Keven Lock ("Good Morning America") will transform the Turtle's Shell Theater into a colorful, fantastical cartoon-like version of a festive Italian street festival, complemented by rich and flamboyant costumes and non-traditional masks designed by Christina Giannini.

Other members of the award-winning design team assembled by Producer John W. Cooper, founder and artistic director of Turtle Shell Productions, include lighting designer Eric Larson and sound designer David Roy. 

Previews are December 5 & 6 at 8PM.  Opening December 7 at 8PM with performances through December 22.  Show times are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 8PM (except December 12) and Mondays at 7PM. Matinees December 12 & 19 at 1PM; December 22 at 3PM.

Tickets are $18 available from www.theatermania.com. The Turtle's Shell Theater (in the Times Square Arts Center) at 300 W. 43rd Street.

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