The 2011 free three-day festival will bring together over 100 performing arts organizations, local and international celebrities, independent artists, poets, playwrights, musicians, puppeteers and film makers— all of whom reside, work or have their roots in the Lower East Side.
In memoriam, the LES Festival will present a scene from an unpublished play by Lanford Wilson. Other well-known writers represented in this year's festival range from David Mamet to William Shakespeare. There will also be brand-new works presented by writers including Tom Diriwachter, Lissa Moira, Walt Stepp, Barbara Kahn, Matt Morillo, Larry Myers, Bina Sharif and Misha Shulman.
The festivities will kick off May 27 at Theater for the New City at 6 PM with a group of diverse artists presenting theatre, music, dance, comedy, performance art and other entertainment.
On May 28, a day-long block party will begin at noon, hosted by composer/satirist Richard West, featuring performances from musicians, singers, belly and flamenco dancers, comics and poets. John Grimaldi will host an afternoon of performances with and by children and teenagers, curated by actor and teacher Primy Rivera.
The festival concludes May 29. Playwright and poet Lissa Moira will host a poetry and performance tribute to poet and rock musician Tuli Kupferberg, led by Richard West; and the festival concludes with performances, beginning at 6 PM in the Community Theater. Theater for the New City is a Pulitzer Prize-winning community cultural center known for its high artistic standards and widespread community service.
Theater for the New City is located at 155 1st Avenue, between E. 9th and 10th Streets. For additional information and a full performance schedule, call (212) 254-1109 or visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net.