Theater in NYC: Socrates at The Public Theater

The world premiere of Socrates by Tim Blake Nelson opens 2019 Onassis Festival: Democracy is Coming at The Public Theater in New York City from April 2 – June 2, 2019

A scene from Socrates at The Public Theater — The company in Socrates, written by Tim Blake Nelson and directed by Doug Hughes; at The Public Theater. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

The fast-paced historical play about the life of the Athenian philosopher Socrates and the events that led to his infamous trial and death sentence anchors 2019 Onassis Festival: Democracy is Coming. Written by Tim Blake Nelson, an acclaimed actor, director, and writer (O Brother, Where Art Thou?; Holes; The Ballad of Buster Scruggs), the play transports the audience to ancient Athens around 430 – 369 BCE. The play faithfully recounts the start of the devastating Peloponnesian War, Socrates life and mission in Athens, his trial in 399 BCE, and Plato’s meeting of his young student.

Tony Award-winning director Doug Hughes (Doubt; Junk) recreates the energy, tensions, and customs of the distant past with a superb cast, austere stage design, and a powerful juxtaposition of blind certainty vs the infinite quest for truth. Socrates, played by Michael Stuhlbarg (The Public: Hamlet; Films: A Serious Man; Call Me by Your Name; The Shape of Water), vividly engages the actors and the audience with his insatiable questions and eagerness to learn. Under Hughes’ direction, every actor from the young boy, Niall Cunningham, to Plato, Teagle F. Bougere (The Public: Julius Caesar) to very real but helpless Xanthippe, Miriam A. Hyman (The Public: Richard III) skillfully make the story of Socrates come alive.

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Mobile Unit presents a dynamic production of The Tempest by William Shakespeare at The Public Theater from May 3 – May 19, 2019

The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit production of The Tempest. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Mobile Unit, a touring company that seeks to bring theater and culture to people, is “parking” at The Public Theater at Astor’s Place until May 19, 2019 with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest . The engaging and energetic production has already traveled to 17 diverse communities such as recreational centers, chapels, and correctional facilities. The idea that culture belongs to everyone drives the production creators’ passion and excitement.

Laurie Woolery, production director, reimagines the traditional gender roles in Shakespeare’s play and brings a feminine touch to the characters of Prospero, and others in this fluid and fun take on a theatrical classic. Myra Lucretia Taylor as Prospero softens the spell of dark magic while a rowdy bunch of anti-heroes skillfully keep the audience entertained and amused. The villains and conspirators genuinely played by Christopher Ryan Grant, Reza Salazar, and Dan Domingues are enthralled by the spell of kindness and reconciliation propagated by the spirit Ariel, who is gracefully played by Danaya Esperanza. The talented cast gets a standing ovation for its mastery
and authenticity. Enjoy this fast-paced and fun production and celebrate the love and kindness in the company of like-minded peers.

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Tag: The Public Theater