Medicine Show Theatre Opens BOMBS, GODS AND REVOLUTIONARIES Tonight

Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble, one of New York's longest-running experimental theatres, is excited to announce its 46th consecutive season continues with the premiere this week of BOMBS, GODS AND REVOLUTIONARIES and a special Friday night guest.

The production is comprised of two sets of one-act plays, performed in repertory, by renowned writers Joel Schatzky and Jack Agueros. The official opening is set for tonight, March 5; and the show will close on Sunday, April 24. Performances are scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. There also will be four Sunday performances on March 6, March 13, April 10 and April 24 at 4 p.m. There is no performance on Friday, April 22.

Tomorrow, March 3, noted Puerto Rican-American poet Martin Espada, who teaches poetry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, will kick off the Agueros plays with a short talk and be available for questions from the audience. Espada's poems often focus on social justice and on Puerto Rico. He was a longtime tenant lawyer before becoming a college professor.

One evening of two one-act plays consists of Completely Clara and The Education of Machiavelli, by Schatzky, former professor emeritus at SUNY Cortland, author of 14 books and several plays. It focuses on two historic personalities ahead of their times. The first about Clara Schumann, wife of the great 19th century composer Richard Schumann, is the story of a woman who became her family's breadwinner when other women stayed home. Machiavelli explores the famous Renaissance philosopher, now often regarded as ruthless, who was actually a kind and just ruler.

The other evening consisting of three plays by Agueros, Puerto Rican-American poet, activist and former director of New York's Museo del Barrio, who died in 2014, are from his Auto Sacramental series. They are entitled Awoke One, Ye Tragical Historie of Doctor Pedro Albizu Campos, and Notary Sojac. The three plays vary in style and tone, showing his remarkable range. Still, each, influenced by the medieval concept of morality plays, is hilarious and tragic all at once.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors and students; or $30 for a package deal for both shows. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. Precise performance dates for both sets of one-acts can be found at medicineshowtheatre.org. The theater is located at 549 W. 52nd St., near 11th Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10019, subway lines C/E, 50th Street stop.