Republished by kind permission from WPMusing
The latest in a series of previews of shows in the Fishtown Fringe segment of the 2015 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
Show Name: A Great War by James J Christy Jr.
Show Times:
Thursday, Sept 10th @ 7 pm
Friday, Sept 11th @ 8 pm
Sunday, Sept 13th @ 7 pm
Thurs, Sept 17th @ 7 pm
Friday, Sept 18th @ 8 pm
Sunday, Sept 20th @ 4 pm and 8 pm
Thursday, Sept 24th @ 7 pm
Friday, Sept 25th @ 8 pm
Saturday, Sept 26th @ 8pm
Sunday, Sept 27th @ 4pm and 8pm
Show Location: The MAAS Space, 1325 N Randolph St Philadelphia
Show Websites: ironagetheatre.org, fringearts.com/a-great-war-by-james-j-christy-jr
In the Family: This play is written by the son of the director who was the theatrical mentor of Iron Age Theatre and as such it is the most amazing family affair. There is a fascinating meta experience as we all work together in the chain of biological and theatrical family.
If a microphone was held up to the piece it would say: History is not what we know. War is madness, bravery can be treasonous, and the Jews had it rough long before WWI in Germany.
Artist Mission Statement: Iron age theatre dedicates itself to work focused on the human condition and social justice, theatre created collaboratively and organically, unafraid to challenge both audience and performer. We champion the untried actor, the unproduced playwright and the untold stories.
Hardest Logistical Obstacle: We will have to load in and out of our space three times to do tech rehearsals as a result of limited access to the space. Our tech runts are late at night. It is a whirlwind of moving set, costumes and lighting in and out! But I dig the pressure!
Words that Embody the Show: Bravery. Disillusionment. Passion. War. Originality.
Double Dog Dare: Come see A Great War during the Pope’s visit after the Fringe. Be bold, don’t let security stop you, have some food before or after the show and celebrate art during the confusion of the Papal invasion.
Definition of Success as an Artist: If the audience leaves the theatre altered. I want to break their preconceptions and open their eyes to the wonders of humanity. So I guess I am successful if the audience and actors leave with stronger empathy and a new understanding of history.
Day Job: I am a videographer and philosophy teacher.
Artistic Diet: Theatre is number one. I also read tons of Philosophy and history.
Other Fringe Performances You’re Excited to See:
Fifty Days at Ilium
The Captive
ANDY: A Popera
The Illinois Five
Damned Dirty Apes!
The Girl’s Guide to Neighborly Conduct
A Cocoon of Your Own Making
…And everything in the Kensington Fringe!
Last Book Read: The Sevensies, by Neil Stephenson
Up Next: Iron Age will be producing another more stylized WWI play, an American premiere of DOGFALL by Caleb Lewis in February and then a new play by Teresa Miller about Fred Hampton in April. We also are working with our PDC resident Playwright Leah Lawler. We are looking for a permanent home in Philly and building an international progressive production that spotlights dissident and revolutionary thinkers with the intention of bringing it to universities.
ART IS REVOLUTION,
John Doyle
Co-Artistic Director