Working Theater's FIVE BOROUGHS / ONE CITY Set for Abingdon Complex This Weekend

Working Theater, the Off-Broadway company under the direction of Artistic Producing Director Mark Plesent, will continue celebrating its 30th Anniversary season by presenting "work in progress" showings of the FIVE BOROUGHS / ONE CITY plays that five teams of critically acclaimed playwrights and directors have developed in collaboration with communities and residents in each of the five boroughs in New York City. Showings will be held this weekend, May 6 - May 10 at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, 312 West 36th Street, first floor.

Under the Artistic Direction of Tamilla Woodard, Working Theater's teams of artists have been busy for the past 8 months engaging with communities throughout the five boroughs of New York City. They've conducted workshops in class rooms in Staten Island, hung out with domino players on a street corner in Bushwick, participated in community organizing meetings in the Bronx, joined the community holiday tree lighting ceremony in Electchester in Queens and attended Mass at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. And all along they have been creating pieces of theater that reflect the hopes, challenges and dreams of the residents of each of the neighborhoods they have visited.

Among the offerings are:

Alternating Currents by Adam Kraar directed by GT Upchurch (Queens)

When two newly married electricians, Luke and Elena, move to Electchester everything seems perfect: spacious apartment, low rent, friendly neighbors and an incredibly close-knit community. But as they settle in, they discover how much they may need to give up in order to really belong. Friday May 8th at?6:30PM and Saturday May 9th at 4PM.

Sanctuary Songs (Manhattan)

Artists Caridad Svich, Michael Premo and Rachel Falcone team up at the world famous Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Believers, and nonbelievers from all walks of life and faith traditions are welcome at St. John the Divine. And in the community of this magnificent cathedral, many people have found home and sanctuary. But In a world of chaos and injustice what does that mean? This unique project weaves interviews, text, and lyrics with original music by Broken Chord. Thursday May 7th ?6:30 PM and Saturday May 9th at 6:00PM

The Block or You Can't Pull Nobody to No Door by Dan Hoyle, directed by Maureen Towey. (Bronx)

Experience a day in the life of the South Bronx, where Rick the executive driver is buggin out 'cause his clients make out in the back seat for longer than the Power 105 Commercial Free Hour, Moe's hat shop doesn't do business like when the gangsters ran the city in the '90s, Olga's roomate's cousin doesn't realize she's a lesbian and isn't interested in his commando style flirtation, Charlie's tryin' to get the kids to calm down after last night's shooting, and Eddy, well he won't give the block a moment's quiet and is riling everybody up. Wednesday May 6th at 7:30 PM and Saturday May 9th at 9:00PM.

Breaking Bread by Chisa Hutchinson, Directed by Kristin Horton (Staten Island)

You are invited to the Gibilisco Family Reunion dinner! Join us for this immersive event, which explores community, family ties and racial tension. Come hungry - baked ziti is on the menu! Friday, May 8th at 8:30PM and Saturday May 9th at 2:00PM.

Bamboo in Brooklyn by Ed Cardona Jr. Directed by Ana Margineaunu. (Brooklyn)

Join us in Bushwick, recently mentioned in Vogue magazine as one of the 15 hippest neighborhoods in the world. While for the long-term residents it has never been hip, it has definitely always been home. Cardona's play weaves a traditional narrative with a surreal exploration of gentrification inspired by the psychedelic murals that cover the walls of this suddenly trendy neighborhood. Friday, May 8th at 8;30PM and Saturday May 9th at 7:30PM

Working Theater will also present an artist round table discussion on creating theater in community moderated by Theresa Eyring Executive Director of the national theater organization, Theater Communications Group with the artists of Five Boroughs/One City on Sunday May 10th at 3PM! Free and Open to the general public

All FIVE BOROUGHS / ONE CITY showings are presented festival-style. Festival Passes are available for $35 or buy individual tickets to any of the showings for $15 each. They can be purchased onine at www.theworkingtheater.org or www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling: Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

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