By Adam Hetrick
21 Nov 2007

The Kitchen will present a new dance-theatre piece exploring the work of dramatist Bertolt Brecht and composer Hanns Eisler.

Uncivil Wars: Collaborating with Brecht & Eisler, edited, directed and choreographed by David Gordon, borrows source material from Brecht's The Roundheads and the Pointheads – incorporating thoughts from Brecht and Eisler on creating art for the theatre, while exploring the "implications of readdressing historical works in the context of our present moment and considers racial, religious, linguistic and geographical divisions resulting in war," according to press notes.

Set to take part in the highly collaborative work are Oscar winner and four-time Tony nominee Estelle Parsons as well as John Kelly, Valda Setterfield, Norma Fire, Robert LaVelle, Autumn Dornfeld, Derek Lucci, Gina Leishman and Dean Moss.

Eisler and Brecht collaborated on numerous theatrical endeavors, including The Decision, The Mother and Schweik in the Second World War. Their song "Solidarity Song" became a staple of the Weimer era.

Uncivil Wars, co-commissioned by the Kitchen and the Walker Art Center, features the music of Hanns Eisler with media direction by cast member Dean Moss, music direction by cast member Gina Leishman and lighting design by Jennifer Tipton.

Uncivil Wars: Collaborating with Brecht & Eisler runs Dec. 13-22 at the Kitchen, located in Manhattan at 512 West 19th Street. Tickets are available by phoning (212) 255-5793 or by visiting www.thekitchen.org.