(via Craig Smith)
Brecht’s political farce about a thug’s rise to become a powerful fascist leader plays right through 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. 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
Information: http://www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org/; 212-465-3446
Tickets: Tickets are $30 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)
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble www.PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org 212-465-3446; Info@PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org
Keep Up-To-Date With Phoenix: Click Here
CELEBRATING ARTISTRY, EXCELLENCE, COMPANY & COMMUNITY
"One of the Best!" - Wall Street Journal
Six 2014-15 NYIT Award Nominations
Winner Best Revival 2014 NYIT Award
Winner Best Performance by a Leading Actor
Winner Best Solo Production Audelco Award