For their first production, Envelope Ensemble will present Electra, the timeless Greek tragedy filled with murder and revenge, by Euripides. Electra will be presented at Billy's Backyard (190 Jefferson Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn) for one weekend: September 20th-September 22nd (the Friday and Saturday performances will be at 10PM, the Sunday performance will be at 8:30)
Electra is the story of a young woman and her long lost brother, Orestes, who decide to exact revenge upon their mother's lover and, quite controversially, their mother. The dilemma grapples with morality itself: does the gods' desire for something make it inherently good?
The tragedy of Electra has been portrayed in almost every form of media from stage plays, to both film and opera with great critical successes. Envelope Ensemble takes this classic tale in a new direction. Using the adaptation by avant-gard theatre artist Adrienne Kennedy, the innovative production will incorporate live music, dance, and contemporary styles to introduce the play to a modern audience.
Using a dilapidated courtyard as the venue, Electra mirrors the tone of contemporary Greece where many artists are underfunded and forced to find new exciting ways to produce theatre in a low-cost fashion.
" I want the audience to enter the theatre and become completely immersed in our interpretation of the modern Greek world. By attempting to revert to Western theatre's roots, I think we're exploring what it means to be a part of this industry in 2013." - Ariel Kline, Director of Electra.
The price of admission to Electra is an offering of any kind to the god Apollo (suggestions include but are not limited to: art, fruit, cash, wine, candles, or a personal item). Guests are encouraged to arrive early to properly offer their sacrifice.
Envelope Ensemble uses immersive theatricality and pertinent adaptations to reveal new perspectives on familiar stories and themes. With innovation, theatre can arise out of any space, with any budget and completely envelop an audience. The company aims to have its productions financially accessible to audiences all over New York City.
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