Welcome to 99 AND UNDER THE RADAR: A LOOK AT INDIE THEATER'S MOVERS AND SHAKERS, BroadwayWorld's new weekly series that showcases standout productions and production companies from the independent theater scene in New York City. Each week, independent producer Michael Roderick will be discussing the latest goings on in the theatrical wings, highlighting those with potentially bright futures.
This Week's Topic:10 to watch in 2010
As Christmas draws near many Indie companies finish out their shows and prepare for the next year. Since there aren't many things to see right before Christmas, here's a list of 10 Companies to watch out for in the New Year who will no doubt be producing some solid and provocative work:
1. Hip Obscurity- This is a company that always presents work that challenges stereotypes and leaves the audience with something to think about. Their mission states: "Hip Obscurity is a theater company exploring issues of gender, sexuality and self-identity as lived in the everyday. We seek to confound The Commonly-held belief that these issues are obscure or outside the average experience. By exploring new works as well as established texts, we hope to create a collaborative environment for our audience and fellow artists in which we can explore, subvert, and confront these issues." This January, they will explore a very famous "established text" by doing their own unique interpretation of A Doll's House. Tickets can be purchased here.
2. Rebellious Subjects- A company that truly embraces the concept of environmental theatre, this group of talented young actors and directors have performed Shakespeare in a bar, Chekhov in a historic house, and a reading series in a cafeteria. One never knows where they'll be going for the next Rebellious show, but one thing is certain, it will be an experience that will be memorable. Be on the lookout for even more creative endeavors from this group in the new year. In addition, rather than having a company mission, this group has a manifesto which can be read here.
3. The Nerve Tank- Currrently in residence at The Brooklyn Lyceum, The Nerve Tank provides the type of experimental theatre that reminds one of Beckett's most thought provoking pieces. Often using digital projection, wild costumes, and even wilder text, this company provides so much food for thought, audiences will be intellectually satiated. Whether it means performing inside of a huge see through box, filling a space with florescent lights, or making bold statements about consumer culture as it relates to Coca-Cola, the audience is always in for something they have not seen before. Check out their next project here.
4. Impetuous Theater Group- Founded in 2004, this group of dynamic actors, directors, and technicians have developed theatre that consistently gets major attention. They have produced a zombie version of Twelfth Night, Their own Haunted House, a one act festival in an around a swimming pool, and one of the most thought provoking productions of Timberlake Wertenbaker's After Darwin seen on stage. This is a company with staying power that produces the kind of work that is always polished and exciting. They also are well known for developing some of the most inventive fundraisers in the business. Look for them to produce more great theatre in the new year.
5. GidEon Productions- One of the standouts in the Fringe this year having produced the disturbing production Viral by Mac Rogers, GidEon Productions is a company that always goes to The Edge and then pushes even further. Their work features some of the most committed actors on an Indie stage and supports Rogers who is arguably one of the most prolific playwrights in the Indie scene. Do not be surprised if Mac's work hits Off Broadway or Broadway at some point soon. With an aesthetic similar to that of Neil LaBute, Mac is heading towards bigger things and Gideon has been a major part of that support system. It will be exciting to see what they turn out in the new year.
