Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, photo by Arthur Cornelius
Pictured: Yvonne Roen and Alex Emanuel
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep
An adaptation of Philip K. Dick's sci fi classic about androids and a bounty hunter, Rick Deckard, who loves them/loves to kill them. The book inspired the film Blade Runner, but this adaptation returns to the original novel's ideas about a post-apocalyptic world seeking resurrection through the rediscovery of empathy. The play incorporate video to blur the lines between humanity and technology, finding the soul within the machine. Includes the Mercer Arias (a clip of the music, by Henry Akona, is on the opera page).
CRITICS PICK for The New York Times and Time Out New York.
Produced at 3LD Art & Technology Center in New York City.
Produced at Sacred Fools in Los Angeles.
Cast: 3W, 7M, with 3 optional parts of either gender; Running time: 90 minutes.
The Iron Heel
An adaptation of Jack London's 1908 novel, the first-ever dystopia, written as a socialist propaganda piece. It tell the story of Avis and Ernest Everhard, two leader of an envisioned socialistrevolution in the 1920's, when the oligarchy has taken on a totalitarian edge (The Iron Heel). Praised by Leon Trotsky and George Orwell. Set as a "reenactment drama", being told 600 years in the future, in a world that has become a socialist utopia. Using folksongs from the early 20th century throughout, some with altered lyrics.
Produced at various venues throughout New York City, including Judson Memorial Church, Governor’s Island, South Oxford Space, and Jackie Robinson Park.
Cast: 2W, 4M (flexible); Running time 100 minutes.
The Lathe of Heaven
An original, authorized stage adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin’s sci-fi classic about a man whose dreams change reality. The play examines the human need for certainty and understanding in contrast with Taoist ideas of uncertainty and unknowing, and intersperses verses from the Tao Te Ching as operatic art songs composed by Henry Akona.
Produced at 3LD Art & Technology Center in New York City.
Cast: 1W, 3M; Running time 120 minutes with intermission.
City of Glass
An adaptation of the book by Paul Auster, written for a solo performer and two dancers. Daniel Quinn receives a phone call. On the other end of the line is a man asking for Paul Auster, private detective. Quinn claims to be Auster and falls down a rabbit hole of language and identity.
Produced at The New Ohio Theater.
Cast: 1W, 2M; Running time 95 minutes.
Tales for Children Less Than Three Years Old
An adaptation of four Eugène Ionesco short stories (working from the translation by Karen Ott). Written for his daughter, Marie-France, but also containing the absurdist sensibilities of his best work.
Presented as part of the Off-Broadway production, Fairy Tales of the Absurd, at Theater 80.
Cast: 2W, 1M; Running time 30 minutes.
Unauthorized Magic in Oz
A puppet adaptation of my Oz books. Buddy, a small boy, has a mother who likes to perform sorcery and a good friend who's a magician. But Glinda won't be happy when she finds out they are defying Oz law to do so.
Presented at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, NY as part of their Toy Theatre Festival.
Cast: 2W, 2M; Running time 25 minutes.