(via Craig Smith, C. Pagone)
BRECHT’S THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI Oct/Nov 2016 — JUST BEFORE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
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.
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 threat, 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 will feature PTE Artistic Director, Craig V. Smith as the title character. The rest of the cast and designers are yet to be determined at press time.
Tickets will go on sale on August 1, 2016.
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
Information: http://www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org/; 212-465-3446
Tickets: Tickets will go on sale on August 1, 2016. $25 each; Call 212-352-3101 or visit www.PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org.
Where: The Wild Project @ 195 East 3rd Street (Avenue A and Avenue B)
Transportation: By Subway: F Train to 2nd Avenue; by Bus A14 to 4th Street and Ave A; 8th Street Crosstown.
Photo Caption: Craig V. Smith as Arturo Ui in Bertolt Brecht's The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Photo by Kerem SmithStone)