Winter/Spring 2018 Brochure Preview

Click Here for a digital preview of La MaMa Winter/Spring 2018 brochure

Winter/Spring Season includes:

The Pill – A Family Memoir

Conceived by Marla Mase

Directed by Randolph Curtis Rand

Series of One:

A Solo Performance Festival

It’s All True

by Object Collection Theatre

time no line

by John Kelly 

Distant Observer:Tokyo/New York Correspondence

by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun

SEAGULLMACHINE

by The Assembly

THERE'S BLOOD AT THE WEDDING: Songs for Lorca

bu Theodora Skipitares

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10@$10 Tickets now on sale 

for all shows NOW ON SALE

First Look: GEMINI STARS/SCORPIO STARS @ La MaMa

All photos by Theo Cote

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La MaMa presents

GEMINI STARS/

SCORPIO STARS

Written and Directed by Gian Marco Lo Forte
A Pioneers Go East Collective Project

Set during a holiday party in a Brooklyn apartment, GEMINI STARS / SCORPIO STARS is a music-theatre work inspired by stories of LGBTQ vloggers coming out and self-identifying to the world on YouTube, juxtaposed with stories of exclusion and violence IRL. Over the course of the Christmas party, a group of artists share psychological and emotionally intimate experiences. It is a funny and touching performance about Realvlogs love, self-identity, and self-defense while reflecting on what the community has achieved (or hasn’t) using social media. This close-knit group of diverse friends have found each other and have chosen spend Christmas together. Like all good parties, this festive gathering is ultimately a safe space to share, and simply be. 

Gemini Stars / Scorpio Stars features stories written and performed by Daniel Diaz, Jess Barbagallo, Fleur Voorn, Michaela Reggio, Niko Tsocanos and Ryan Leach. Video vlogs feature stories performed by Julia Dobner-Pereira, Chloe Li Piazza, G.J. Dowding and Shane O'Neill.Special musical guest Ombro de Oro.

December 7 - 17, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 7pm; Sunday at 2pm

The Downstairs @ La MaMa

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

Video Preview: FOLLIES IN TITUS

  Follies in Titus from La MaMa on Vimeo.

Follies in Titus is directed by Italy's Dario D'Ambrosi, originator of the theatrical movement called Teatro Patologico (Pathological Theater), who re-imagines Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus," retelling the bard's bloodiest and most violent work through the voices of the patients of a psychiatric hospital. The play is performed by actors from the Integrated Theater of the Emotions, an Italian university program in performing arts that he founded for people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"Follies in Titus" was influenced by the intrinsic confrontation with human violence that "Titus Andronicus" evokes in both its audience and its interpreters. This 16th century tragedy, Shakespeare's first and bloodiest, is the fictional story of Titus, a general during the late Roman Empire, who engages in a cycle of revenge with Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Titus' murder of Tamora's eldest son in a ritual of war leads to the rape and mutilation of his own daughter, Lavinia. As his revenge, Titus murders Tamora's remaining sons, bakes them into pie, and serves them to her at a feast.

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La MaMa presents

FOLLIES 
IN TITUS

Directed by Dario D’Ambrosi
Original Music by Francesco Santalucia
Choir Coordination by Papaceccio
Costume Design by Raffaella Toni
Organization by Valeria Gaveglia

December 1 - 9, 2017
6 performances only!

The Ellen Stewart Theatre 
66 East 4th Street
(between Bowery and Second Avenue)
New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

La MaMa's History Through Posters: Panel Discussion

La MaMa's History Through Posters: Panel Discussion 

December 4, 2017 | 6:30pm

MAKE A FREE RESERVATION

Lobby of the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 East 4th Street

Panelists: Theodora Skipitares, John Jesurun, Alisa Solomon and Susan Haskins

Moderated by Cindy Rosenthal

Join a panel of La MaMa artists for a discussion about the evolution of avant-garde theatre posters over five decades. Moderated by Cindy Rosenthal (author of Ellen Stewart Presents: Fifty Years of La MaMa Experimental Theatre). Free of charge and open to all.

Richard Schechner and Holly Hughes were originally schedule to participate in this event, but can no longer attend.

This program was funded in part by a Humanities New York Action Grant.

Gay City News on Charles Ludlam and Conquest of the Universe

Ludlam Celebrated By Those He Loved   

David Noh of Gay City News chats with Brian Belovitch and Everett Quinton on the opening of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE at La MaMa.

In the article Quinton says:

"“I was asked which of Charles’ plays they should use for this commemoration and I chose this, which was the first one he did when he started the Ridiculous. He would read the newspaper every day and just be inspired by whatever news story caught his fancy and wrote a play from that. And, as Tamberlaine, we have Grant Neale, who was in the original production! I play two roles: Cosroe and Zabina. It’s a big production, we’re excited about the fabulous design of it, and I just want to get it up on its feet! I’m so proud of this cast, which I hand-picked. Of course, it’s very gay: you know, Charles used to say, 'I get down on my knees every day and thank God I’m gay!'”

Read the full article: HERE

And get your tickets for CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE!

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La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Lenys Samá

CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE opens this week.  Up next answering our 6 Questions is Lenys Samá.  Don't miss the 50th Anniversary production of Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous classic, directed by Everett Quinton!


1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE? 

BAJAZETH, King of Mars

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today? 

Well, there’s a thin-skinned power hungry tyrant, and themes that run the gamut from rape as a weapon of war to the loneliness of unrequited love.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you? 

It means taking risks, leaving pretensions at the door, being out and proud, rolling up your sleeves and working, and so much more. I was ignorant about the Ridiculous when I did my first play there but luckily it became an incubator for me.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played? 

My dream role…Lady Macbeth. I don’t have a favorite role but I have a soft spot for General Carragua Fanfarron in How to Write a Play and Vladimir in Waiting for Godot.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen? 

Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat, The Workshop by Torrey Townsend with Austin Pendleton was a gem, Roger Guenver Smith’s Rodney King blew me away and it’s on Netflix!

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you? 

Going back to a uniquely New York wellspring of creativity that has given artists like Charles Ludlam the opportunity to create and produce their work. It feels so right to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company at La MaMa. My creative juices are flowing just thinking about it. I'm going to wallow in the experience.

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La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

First Look: HALLOWEEN UNLEASHED

All photos by Theo Cote

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La MaMa presents

HALLOWEEN UNLEASHED: 
Dancing Bones, Tasting Darkness 
and the Skeleton Within 

by Armitage Gone! Dance, New York City
Choreographed by Karole Armitage
Original Commissioned Music by Terry Dame
Music by DNA, Theoretical Girls, Wyclef Jean, Marilyn Manson, David Lang, Fats Waller

October 27 - 29, 2017
Friday: 7pm and 10pm; Saturday: 2pm and 7pm; Sunday: 2pm and 4pm

Tickets: $20 Adults; $15 Students/Seniors/Kids

The First Floor Theatre 
74A East 4th Street
(between Bowery and Second Avenue)
New York, NY 10003

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Jeanne Lauren Smith

6 Questions with the cast of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE continues with Jeanne Lauren Smith.  Everett Quinton directs the Charles Ludlam's classic for 13 performances only, November 2 - 19, 2017.  

1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?
Ebea (Zabina, the Queen of Mars', maid)

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?
It is a twist of a tale of seeking not only world domination, but control over the whole universe. Themes of greed, violence and grasping for power seem to be on an endless, cyclical loop in our culture, and at our current moment on what feels like an exaggerated, aggressive scale.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?
Using all the elements at your disposal. Putting on stage what societal norms would rather cover up or push away. Being extreme and expressive in storytelling.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?
I would love to play Li'l Bit in How I Learned to Drive.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?
Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
La MaMa does not only cover an inspiring physical space but also a movement and a history that embodies equanimity, creativity, quality and social awareness. I'm honored to be working on such a special play at such a special theatre during this extraordinary time on our planet.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Beth Dodye Bass

Beth Dodye Bass is next up to answer our 6 Questions.  The 50th Anniversary production of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE plays The Ellen Stewart Theatre from November 2 - 19, 2017.  Tickets now on sale and seating is limited.

1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?
Natolia, Queen of Saturn

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?
Chartles Ludlam wrote this play during a tumultuous time in our history. We were embroiled in a war with Vietnam and we were fighting for civil and gay rights here at home. Seems to me this is happening all over again, making this particular piece extremely relevant.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?
The ridiculous is brilliant, hilarious, audacious and courageous theatre. Their work crossed all human barriers. The ridiculous not only appealed to gay audiences alone but to theatre goers of every race, creed and sexual persuasion. It raises a mirror to the social mores of society and the consciousness of the people who experience their work.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?
LILY POSTIA in Everett Quinton’s adaptation of CARMEN

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?
Book: Recently reread 1984 by George Orwell, even more terrifying now.
Play: Little Foxes, Cynthia Nixon played Regina
Film: I just saw Gaslight again Bergman rocks!
Art exhibit: The Alexander Calder exhibit at the Whitney Museum

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
To Me La MaMa means the premier avant garde off Broadway theatre in the country. Artists from all over the world have performed in this theatre. La MaMa was a driving force in the creation of the off and off off Broadway movement. A safe haven for original ideas, performances and artists. I have been fortunate to have played at La MaMa before and I am thrilled to be performing at this great house once again.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

Reviews are IN for Belarus Free Theatre's BURNING DOORS!

“bruising exploration of the dynamics of resistance — the kind that occurs in the intersection of art and politics...Galvanizing...The astonishment of “Burning Doors” — conceived and staged by the troupe founders and artistic directors (in exile), Nikolai Khalezin and Natalia Koliada — is its ability to translate political rage and impotence into an art of indirection that is often as complex as it is powerful.” 

- New York Times

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“Burning Doors is the most essential piece of political theater New York has seen in a long, long time.” 

- TheaterMania

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“a smart, smoldering, physically brutal piece of theater...The climax of Burning Doors is among the most brutal physical sequences I have ever seen onstage.” 

- NY Magazine/Vulture.com 

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“Burning Doors is intense and profoundly physical alternative theatre...a visceral and intellectual evening you will not forget.” 

- Front Row Center 

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“It is one of the most sensory experiences you'll ever have in a theater.” 

- Yes Broadway   

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"Belarus Free Theatre creates poetry out of brutal reality, with the breathtaking physical capacity of its performers sending an urgent and powerful message that's a wakeup call for whoever is willing to listen." Theatre Is Easy

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“absolutely thrilling….Be Brave. Go and see Belarus Free Theatre’s Burning Doors at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre.” 

- StageBuddy    

La MaMa presents

BURNING DOORS

Devised and performed by Belarus Free Theatre
Directed by Nicolai Khalezin and Natalia Kaliada
With Maria Alyokhina from Pussy Riot

October 13 - 22, 2017

10 Performances Only!

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery & Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE