By Adam Hetrick
06 Oct 2008

Matt Sax in Clay
photo by Don Ipock

Matt Sax's one-man hip-hop musical Clay launches Lincoln Center Theater's LCT3 initiative Off-Broadway at the Duke Theatre Oct. 6.

Presented as the inaugural production of LCT3, a new program devoted to "producing the work of emerging playwrights, directors and designers," Clay arrives Off-Broadway following a run at Kansas City Repertory Theatre in September.

Written and performed by Sax, the coming-of-age tale that draws from Shakespeare's Henry IV and Falstaff will officially open Oct. 15 and continue through Nov. 8.

Eric Rosen directs Sax in the solo show that follows "Clifford, a suburban boy who escapes his fractured family and finds a mentor in Sir John, a master of the spoken word. Clifford becomes hip-hop star Clay, but he discovers that he can't escape his past," according to LCT3.

Designing the production are Meghan Raham (sets), Emily Rebholz (costumes), Jason Lyons (lighting) and Josh Horvath (sound and orchestrations).

Paige Evans heads LCT3, Lincoln Center's answer to the frustrations emerging artists face within the standard system of readings and workshops. LCT3 intends to present fully produced, modest-sized productions of its selected works, with the hopes of creating a permanent 99-seat venue within or near the Lincoln Center complex. Until the intended venue comes to fruition, LCT3 will stage its productions at various off-site venues.

The U.S. premiere of Clay was produced in 2006 by About Face Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago, Illinois.

All tickets for LCT3 productions are priced $20. Tickets for Clay are available by visiting Dukeon42 or by phoning (646) 223-3010.

For further information visit LincolnCenterTheater.