Phoenix Theatre Ensemble announces that Bertolt Brecht's political farce, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, will lead off the company's 13th season from October 20 through November 13, 2016 at The Wild Project in the East Village. Previews will start October 20 with an official opening Saturday, October 22 @ 8PM.
Set in 1930's Chicago, a Tony Soprano/Al Capone-like figure named Arturo Ui, is a crazy but totally charismatic gangster bent on gaining power at all costs in this wickedly funny and savage satire of the rise of Hitler. A wildly entertaining farce that ultimately turns frighteningly relevant, Brecht utilized a wide range of parody and pastiche - from Capone to Shakespeare's Richard III and Goethe's Faust in the torrid 3 weeks in 1941 when he wrote Arturo Ui just before Brecht's exile and arrival in America.
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble will be presenting the U.S. premiere of the celebrated recent translation by Stephen Sharkey ("stiletto sharp" - The Guardian). Sharkey was quoted in 2011 "I think in the epilogue, Brecht acknowledges that the world fought back and got rid of this treat, this dreadful tyrant [Hitler]. But with the final line - the beast that bore him is in heat again - that's Brecht's warning."
The PTE production is being directed by Obie Award-Winner and Drama Desk Nominee, Kevin Confoy, and the 10-member case will feature PTE Artistic Director, Craig V. Smith as the title character. The acting ensemble will include Desmond Confoy, Sergio Fuenzalida, John Lenartz, Zach Lusk, Ellen Mandel, Jim Sterling, Elise Stone, Antonio Suarez, and Josh Tyson. Lighting Design is by Harold Mulinex, Sound Design by Ellen Mandel, Costumes by Deborah Hobson, Stage Management by Irene Lazaridis.
What: The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht; Translation by Stephen Sharkey
When: 10/20 through 11/13/16. Performances Tues-Sat @8PM; Sun @ 3PM
Full Schedule: Thurs 10/20 @ 8pm (preview), Fri 10/21 @ 8pm (preview), Sat 10/22 @ 2pm (preview) & 8pm (opening); Sun 10/23 @3pm; Tues 10/25 @ 8pm; Wed 10/26 @ 8pm; Thur 10/27 8pm; Tue 11/1 8pm; Wed 11/2 @ 2pm & 8pm; Thur 11/3 8pm; Fri 11/4 @ 8pm;Sat 11/5 @ 2pm & 8pm; Sun 11/6 @ 3pm; Mon 11/7 @ 8pm; Fri 11/11 @ 8pm; Sat 11/12 @ 8pm; and Sun 11/13 @ 3pm
www.PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org
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