TheatreLAB 2014 brings new works to life

Theatre lovers can be part of the creative process in the ASU TheatreLAB program, a “second stage” designed to help playwrights develop their projects.

TheatreLAB gives the audience an opportunity to experience works in various stages of development, from readings of new scripts to full workshop productions that feature prototype sets and costumes. Each night will feature discussions with the playwrights/creators and other opportunities for the audience to respond to the works in progress.

The idea of a theatrical production as a creative process that needs to be honed and refined over time – with feedback from an audience—is at the heart of the TheatreLAB.

“It’s called a ‘lab’ for very good reason,” says Jacob Pinholster, artistic director of MainStage and director of the School of Film, Dance and Theatre. “It moves the creation of new works away from the conservatory model and much closer to the model of research, development and discovery that you find in the sciences and technology. TheatreLAB is a great way for audiences to meaningfully participate in the creation of the theatre of the future.”

The Spring 2014 TheatreLAB series features:

The Emperor Wolf | Workshop Production | Written by Mahonri Stewart and directed by Brian Foley | Feb. 28 - March 2 

This post-apocalyptic fairy tale unfolds on a future Earth torn apart by division and war, where mythical creatures have become the new ruling class. In this new world of sphinxes, griffins, fairies and goddesses, none of these are more fearsome than the Emperor Wolf. When Madeline and her blind mother, Ebony, meet the orphaned Shasta, they are pulled into a hero’s quest in which they confront this frightening new order and the Dark Being that has claimed the world. 



What is it Worth? / Market-based Memories | Written and directed by Jeff McMahon, with contributions from cast | Feb. 14

Music by Aaron Neber and Jeff McMahon

Through highly stylized dialogue and original songs, this show investigates worth, value and debt using the metaphor of markets. Performed by Brian Anderson, Isaac Kolding, Beth May, Jeff McMahon, Micah Jondel DeShazer.


H20 | Written by Jane Martin and directed by Jack Reuler | Feb. 13 & 15

A comic tragic love story about an aimless veteran who accidentally catapults to Hollywood stardom and is cast to play Hamlet on Broadway. This work explores fame, self-destruction and the dark journey to purity and salvation when he encounters his match and muse, a devout Christian woman set on getting the role of Ophelia. Performed by Meg Sullivan, Tyler Eglen and Adriano Cabral.

Threesome | Written by Naomi Telushkin and directed by William Partlan | Feb. 16

A play about a high-powered D.C couple, an intern and the night of their threesome. 
 


The schedule is as follows:

Workshop

Feb 28 - March 2 7:30 p.m. The Emperor Wolf by Mahonri Stewart

March 1 2 p.m.
 


Readings 

Feb 13 7:30 p.m. H20

Feb 14 7:30 p.m. What Is It Worth?/ Market-based Memories
Feb 15 7:30 p.m. H20 

Feb 16 7:30 p.m. Threesome
 


Where: Studio 133 in the FAC, 51 E. 10th St., ASU Tempe campus. For parking info: http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/events/parking.php - 
 

When: Workshop, Feb 28-March 2 at 7:30 pm and March 1 at 2 p.m.; Readings, Feb. 13-16 at 7:30 p.m.
 

Cost: Tickets are $8; Herberger Institute faculty, staff and students receive complimentary tickets if reserved in advance.
Public Contact: Herberger Institute box office, 480.965.6447; School of Film, Dance and Theatre. 480.965.5337

Public Contact: 
Laurie Valenti
480.965.3381
Laurie.Valenti@asu.edu

Media Contact:
Laurie Valenti
480.965.3381
Laurie.Valenti@asu.edu