The Greene Space, a "multipurpose, multiplatform street-level studio and performance venue," according to WNYC, "invites audiences to experience a range of presentations and productions — from live radio shows with WNYC hosts to exclusive commissioned works by emerging and established visual artists, writers and composers; from innovative audio theatre to intimate musical performances; from conversations about the top political and social issues of the day to newsmaker interviews."
The Opening Festival April 28-May 8 will feature a range of programming "representative of The Greene Space's mission and values."
The April 28 opening night at 7 PM is by invitation only and is billed as "A Night of World Premieres."
Among other programming, opening night will include:
On April 29, 7-9 PM, "A New Theater of Sound" will present H.G. Wells' 1897 novel, "The Invisible Man." Arthur Yorinks has re-imagined Wells' masterpiece, presented here as the premiere work of "A New Theater of Sound," a collaborative effort between The Greene Space and Yorinks Theater Group. Yorinks' adaptation sets the story in a 21st century New York City homeless shelter. "The narrative retains its focus on the eternal human need to be not only seen, but to be heard." Peter Gerety (most recently of "Charlie Wilson's War") will star. Michael Riesman, director of the Philip Glass Ensemble, will give a rare live musical performance on piano, blending music from multiple Philip Glass compositions and live improvisation into a never-before-heard piece. Lighting design will be provided by Mark Stanley, resident lighting designer for the New York City Ballet. This is a preview of a full fall production of the play.
On May 3-4, "The Fall of the City," a 1937 CBS radio drama by Archibald MacLeish that starred Orson Welles and Burgess Meredith, will be re-created. "The work is considered one of the most socially significant — and boldly experimental – works in the history of radio," according to WNYC. "Written in response to the rising tide of fascism in Europe, the production innovated key sound effects, some of which were ironically later employed by Joseph Goebbels in rallies he orchestrated for Adolph Hitler."
Dress rehearsal is May 3 at 4:30 PM; live broadcast is May 4 at 7 PM.
The Greene Space is located at the corner of Varick and Charlton streets in downtown Manhattan. For more information, visit thegreenespace.org.
