American Repertory Theater of WNY

12/15/2024

We are six geese a laying’ days away from American Rep’s Holiday Bash. Info: https://facebook.com/events/s/american-rep-theater-of-wnys-h/1276502786733795/

12/11/2024

As SHYLOCK wraps up the production’s critically acclaimed run, playwright & director Lara Haberberger sat in with The Voices of WNY Artists and offered her thoughts on the piece. Link for the show: https://www.thinktwiceradio.com/matt-lachiusa/audio/241208c.mp3

The Voices keeps rolling out shows that gives a forum for the unheard. Check out the latest episode #106 featuring WNY director, actor and playwright Lara Haberberger. Click the link below for this show:
https://www.thinktwiceradio.com/matt-lachiusa/audio/241208c.mp3

and other Voices shows
https://thinktwiceradio.com/matt-lachiusa/matt-lachiusa.html

12/10/2024

American Repertory Theater of WNY is currently seeking to fill a Stage Manager position for the February production (rehearsal beginning of early January) of “The Mighty Maisie”, directed by Kellie Natale. This is a paying position. The company also seeks a costume designer for The Mighty Maisie and The Informer scheduled for March 2025. This is also a paid position. Please private message ART for more details.

12/06/2024

SHYLOCK continues its highly acclaimed run this evening until December 14th, Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 pm / Saturdays @ 5 pm. Don’t miss it!

12/05/2024

With safety concerns for both patrons and production personnel, American Repertory Theater of WNY is cancelling tonight’s production, Thursday, 7:30 pm. Those who purchased tickets can redeem them at any of the following 5 productions scheduled until Dec 14th.

Thanks!

11/27/2024

“Very moving…And that’s what we always get at the American Repertory Theater of WNY.. a challenging and stimulating experience. SHYLOCK is a good one! Don’t miss it” - Peter Hall, Buffalo Rising

“SHYLOCK is a rough, quick play that has been made to make a point. It elevates the humanity of “the others” among us — those who are condemned by the actions of the few and the silence of the many” - Melinda Miller, Buffalo Hive

The reviews are solid for Lara Haberberger’s SHYLOCK starting the production run this Friday (no show on Thanksgiving) and running until Dec 14th. Thurs & Fri @ 7:30 pm/ Sat @ 5 pm.

Buffalo Rising - Peter Hall
https://www.buffalorising.com/2024/11/haberbergers-shylock-sets-shakespeares-problem-play-in-auschwitz-offering-challenging-new-perspective/

Buffalo Hive - Melinda Miller
https://thebuffalohive.com/at-art-a-shylock-for-the-here-and-now/

THE BASICS:  SHYLOCK, a play adaptation of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE written & directed by Lara Haberberger, starring Monish Bhattacharyya and Andrew Zuccari with Kathleen Rooney and John DellaContra. 11/21

11/25/2024

American Repertory Theater of WNY continues the company’s New Play Workshop with actor, playwright and legend Camilla Maxwell’s comedy “This is Our Year (A story of Love, Loss and the Buffalo Bills)” on November 30th, 7:30 pm (Bills fan-gear encouraged) This wild-child play features a brick-ton a great actors and Jello-o shots. Free to the public except Patriots & Chiefs fans.

See ya there

11/23/2024

American Repertory Theater of WNY is proud to support works that push limits and contain challenging theatrical narratives. Celebrating this commitment, the company presents Lara Haberberger’s Shylock now through December 14th. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s controversial “Merchant of Venice” is a timely theatrical reflection on how Art can be manipulated into a greater nefarious purpose. Come join ART/WNY and support a mission to present original works with poignant narratives.

Running now through December 14th (no show on Thanksgiving) tickets are available for Thursday & Friday 7:30 performances and Saturday’s 5 pm performances.

Online ticket information www.artofwny.org

Picture 1: Monish Bhattacharyya (as Shylock)
Picture 2: Andrew Zuccari with Bhattacharyya
Picture 3: Andrew Zuccari
Picture 4: Kathleen Rooney & John DellaContrada

11/15/2024

Buffalo-based actor John DellaContrada makes his stage debut at ART/WNY in the premiere of SHYLOCK. He took time from rehearsals to answer questions regarding the production and his approach to the process.

Q: Good acting is finding truth between fact and fiction. You have an unlikable role in SHYLOCK, so how do find the balance between remaining real and avoiding hyper-characterization?

I think a part of portraying forces of true evil is realizing that history’s greatest monsters saw themselves as the heroes of their stories. Hatred is not a costume that people put on. For a character like this, it is part of their core identity—an ideology that guides their life’s greater purpose. I think that is much more terrifying than the “mustache-twirling villain” trope that is all too easy to fall into.

Q: How relevant is this piece to current socio and geopolitical issues?

This piece is more relevant to us than some might be willing to admit. So much of today’s politics relies on selling narratives, creating stories where the victims of hate and violence are, somehow, actually the cause of society’s ills. We see this every time we turn on the news or log onto social media. We live in an angry, discontent world, and the people on top want to sell you the idea that the real problem is your neighbors. “It’s the migrants, it’s trans people, it’s Jewish people, it’s Palestinians.” They want to convince you that the violence toward these people isn’t happening, or if it is, it’s somehow justified. I think Shylock shows us what happens if we let them tell us how to feel.

Q: So much respect needs to be given to the historical circumstances this work is placed in. What steps along the process have you and the production team taken to retain this?

Heavy research is a must. We have had several lengthy discussions surrounding the historical context of this piece, and I know that each of us in the cast has taken the time to conduct our own research to bring into the rehearsal room. For my part, I have done my best to remember that the character I am playing is a symbol of hate and violence, and to never misuse those symbols outside of the context of this show and telling this particular story.

SHYLOCK opens November 21st and runs until Dec 14th
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 Saturday @ 5 pm
(No show on Thanksgiving)

Tickets: www.artofwny.org

11/14/2024

An established actor of the Buffalo theater scene, Kathleen Rooney makes her ART/WNY debut with her skillful portrayal in SHYLOCK. Kathleen graciously took a moment to answer some questions about the upcoming show:

Q: Good acting is finding truth between fact and fiction, you have an unlikable character in SHYLOCK, so how do you find the balance between remaining real and avoiding hyper-characterization.

As a student of Sandy Meisner and Bill Esper, I go by the standard: “Acting is the ability to behave truthfully under any circumstances.” Finding the truth of my character is the challenge. She is a true believer. Therefore my goal is to give her a life that reflects her ideals and her belief that she is doing exactly the right thing at this time and place.

Q: How relevant is this piece to current socio and geo political issues?

The piece could not be more relevant given the current political climate. Both in the USA and abroad, there is tension and outright prejudice against certain ethnic and religious groups. Some people look to blame their socio-economic circumstances on others and are less interested in the truth than what they’d like to believe is the truth.. Scapegoating at the highest level.

Q: So much respect needs to be given to the historical circumstances this work is placed in, what steps along the process have you and the production team taken to retain this?

The playwright has done her homework and provided a clear context for the piece. And there has been much discussion at every rehearsal concerning the circumstances of the time and place with regard to the characters.

SHYLOCK opens November 21st and runs until Dec 14th
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 Saturday @ 5 pm
(No show on Thanksgiving)

Tickets: www.artofwny.org

11/13/2024

A veteran of the Buffalo theater scene, Lara Haberberger highlights her writing & directorial skills with the authorized World premiere of SHYLOCK, presented by ART/WNY. She graciously took time away from rehearsals to answer some questions about this timely adaptation of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.

Q: What inspired you to adapt Merchant of Venice?

When I was working on my BA in theater at University at Buffalo, many years ago, I had stage managed The Merchant of Venice. For the most part, I loved the character of Portia. She was smart, passionate, and wily. The Quality of Mercy monologue is one of my personal favorites. So when I was picking shows to work on in grad school, I gravitated towards Merchant. One of the challenges I faced while working on the adaptation was that I only was give two actors to work with. I actually found it quite interesting to have one actor play Shylock while the other one was everyone else the cast. It provided great acting challenges for both performers.

Q: Why did you choose the particular setting for this adaptation?

While working towards my MFA in Directing, I was asked by a professor on how as a director would you handle one of Shakespeare’s more problematic plays like Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure, and The Merchant of Venice. I knew that Merchant was anti-semantic, so I thought about setting in a concentration camp. In my research for the play, I found out that the Nazi’s actually loved this play. During the Third Reich, only German playwrights were allowed to be produced with two exceptions: Shakespeare and Shaw. I found that very interesting.

Q: How relevant is your adaptation to current socio and geo political issues of the day?

A recent community theater production of the Diary of Anne Frank in Fowlerville, MI was protested by Neo-Nazi's. Facism is on the rise in the US and around the world. We as artists have a sacred duty to reflect the horrors that are happening right now. Theater is an immediate art form which should be used to sound the alarm.

Q: How important is it to reinvent theater classics like Shakespeare for younger audiences?

There is a reason why we are still producing the Bard's work 400 years after he died. The language is poetry, the plots are incredible, and the characters are so human. I think one of the issues with Shakespeare's work is that it is taught to high schoolers as literature, so students don't get to see the works brought to life. I am aware that plays are literature, but they are meant to be staged not just studied in books. They language can be so hard to understand in a book, but when an actor speaks the lines with clarity and passion, it can be appreciated so much better.

SHYLOCK opens November 21st and runs until Dec 14th
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 Saturday @ 5 pm
(No show on Thanksgiving)

Online tickets www.artofwny.org

11/12/2024

The authorized world premiere of local playwright Lara Haberberger’s compelling & timely SHYLOCK brings a new angle on Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”. This adaptation features actor Monish Bhattacharayya in the title role. Taking time from an intense (and educational) rehearsal process, Monish answers some questions about the piece and how the production team is approaching the work.

Q: With the challenges of taking on a Shakespeare piece and the specific cadence of his works, you are also faced with portraying individuals who lived and died under inhumane circumstances, what tools are you using to take on these challenging processes.

A: Playing a character within this layered narrative requires deep emotional grounding. I find myself drawing on empathy and a nuanced understanding of history to bring authenticity to the experience of a Jewish prisoner forced to embody a character like Shylock. I work to balance the cadence of Shakespeare’s language with the raw, painful humanity of someone under unimaginable circumstances, remembering that every word must reflect both the character’s story and the tragedy of their situation.

Q: The core element of acting is Truth. Explain your process of getting to the core of truth behind these characters and their struggles.

A: Understanding the historical weight behind this play is critical. I’ve immersed myself in literature, survivor accounts, and studies about the psychological warfare N***s inflicted on prisoners. This foundation informs every gesture and line, grounding my performance in a respect for those who lived through these atrocities. I want to honor them by presenting not just Shakespeare’s words, but the unspoken resilience of these prisoners.

Q: How important is telling the story of this adaption?

A: Telling this story isn’t just about revisiting Shakespeare through a different lens; it’s about exposing the depth of cruelty inflicted on Jewish prisoners forced to play roles that distorted their identities. This adaptation compels us to acknowledge these injustices and to remember that these prisoners were artists who retained their humanity in the most inhumane conditions. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the complexities of using art as both a weapon and a form of survival. And more importantly, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Q: This is a two-hander with one actor portraying multiple ones and the one actor portraying the central character. What are some of those challenges when facing this type of play structure?

A: A two-hander demands a tremendous amount of focus, as there are no ensemble members to carry moments or share the intensity. Every scene falls to the two of us to sustain, which requires a deep, continuous connection. There’s a heightened intimacy here, a need to be fully engaged with one another and with each moment to keep the narrative alive and compelling.

SHYLOCK opens November 21st and runs until Dec 14th
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 Saturday @ 5 pm
(No show on Thanksgiving)

Online tickets www.artofwny.org

11/05/2024

November 21st marks the authorized World premiere of Lara Haberberger’s compelling, and quite timely, adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” entitled SHYLOCK.

Showdates and Times
Thurs & Fridays @ 7:30 pm
Saturdays @ 5 pm

Ticket Info: www.artofwny.org

10/26/2024

Even this guy (far right- eyes wide shut) made our closing weekend performance.

One more evening, 5 pm, tomorrow. Don’t miss it.

10/23/2024

Media coverage is hard to come by with Buffalo theater but here is a great review by WBFO’s Theater Talk, Peter Hall with co-host Anthony Chase.

The Break Song wraps up performance run tomorrow evening & Friday @ 7:30 pm and final Saturday performance at 5 pm. Don’t miss out on this refreshingly original piece of theater in a factory forum for creativity, diversity and narratives for all parts of the community to enjoy.

https://www.wbfo.org/2024-10-18/theater-talk-anthony-recommends-an-audio-play-by-matthew-crehan-higgins-free-link-below-while-peter-learns-how-to-avoid-prison-with-arsenic-and-old-lace-the-shawshank-redemption-and-the-break-song-and-hamilton-is-back

For tickets call 716 - 697 - 0837

This weekend on Theater Talk, Peter and Anthony talk about a new audio play, free, titled "Conversations With Eligible Voters In Pennsylvania" by Matthew Crehan Higgins. It was a weekend avoiding prison for Peter, finally catching up with ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Lancaster Opera House, THE SHAWSHANK....

10/22/2024

Closing weekend for the critically acclaimed World premiere of Mark Humphrey’s “The Break Song”, with just three more performances left in the run, it’s been now or never to take in this compelling piece of 716 born theater. Thursday & Friday @ 7:30 pm / Saturday @ 5 pm at the Compass Performing Arts Factory, 545 Elmwood Avenue. Tickets are $25 GA, $20 Student & Military Veteran. Industry rate upon request. Online tickets visit www.artofwny.org

Come support grass-roots theater in a Factory forum producing originality, diversity and compelling narratives that an entire community can embrace.

Love the 716 in You

10/15/2024

Nothing but net.
Two more weekend opportunities to see “The Break Song”. Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 pm / Saturdays @ 5 pm

Tickets www.artofwny.org