The work — based on the books by Sontag and edited by David Rieff — which was also adapted by performer Angelos, continues performances through June 30 under the direction of Marianne Weems.
Sontag: Reborn, according to NYTW — who produces in collaboration with The Builders Association — "traces Sontag's private life from the age of 14 to her emergence as a world-renowned author and activist. The young Sontag wrestles with her emerging sexuality and precocious intelligence, fraught with doubt and insecurity yet driven by her willfulness, ambition and voracious curiosity. The refuge of her diary became integral to her development as a writer, Sontag says herself, 'In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could in person. I create myself.' Using The Builders Association's signature synthesis of poetic video and sound, this tightly-crafted story of self-discovery and sexual identity is both exuberant and intimate, exploring the private life, loves and idiosyncrasies of the iconic intellectual."
Angelos has worked with The Builders Association as a performer since 1999, spanning two centuries and multiple productions. In addition, she has written six plays with her collaborative theatre company The Five Lesbian Brothers, two of which have been produced at New York Theatre Workshop — Oedipus at Palm Springs and The Secretaries. As a performer, she has appeared in the work of Carmelita Tropicana, Anne Bogart, Holly Hughes, Lois Weaver, Zack, Peg Healey, Dominique Dibbell, Lisa Kron and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.
Beginning in 1992 director Weems worked with Sontag, Ron Vawter and Greg Mehrten on a new work tentatively titled Dark Victory up until Vawter's AIDS-related death in 1994. After that Sontag participated in the early activities of The Builders Association and served as a board member until her death in 2004.
Other members of the creative team include video designer Austin Switser, sound designer Dan Dobson, lighting designer Laura Mroczkowski, scenic designer Joshua Higgason, costume designer Andreea Mincic, makeup designer Dick Page and production stage manager Lindsey Turteltaub. NYTW offers "AfterWords" post-performance audience discussions following the performances on May 29, June 9, June 11 and June 18.
New York Theatre Workshop is located at 79 East 4 Street (between Bowery and Second Avenue). For more information and tickets, call (212) 279-4200 or visit NYTW.org.
