IGOR STRAVINSKY'S L'HISTOIRE DU SOLDAT (THE SOLDIER'S TALE)

100 Proof Arts Collective is staging a new production of Igor Stravinsky's L'Histoire du soldat (or, The Soldier's Tale). You may know it as just a concert suite for seven musicians, but The Soldier's Tale was originally written "to be read, played, and danced." Our production, starring William Vaughn, Niall Powderly, Rachel Sussman and narrated by Katie Eisenberg, will add to that suite with a new interpretation of C.F. Ramuz's libretto.

Our question for the ages: after war, what happens when you become the enemy?

Our soldier, Joseph (Niall Powderly), is on leave from serving in Afghanistan. As he tries to adjust to life at home, he struggles against a disguised Devil (William Vaughn), who threatens to derail his quest for inner peace.

Throughout the show, Joseph attempts to deal with the difficulties of civilian life, filling the disconnect and isolation with his tortuous relationship with the Princess (Rachel Sussman), and searches for a direction despite the turmoil weighing him down. We see Joseph ache for a non-existent past while the present surges forward.

But those guys won't be the only ones on stage. They will be accompanied by these amazing musicians:

Dean Buck, Conductor
Chuck Furlong, Clarinet
Alexander Onieal, Bassoon
Derek Ganong, Trumpet
Jeff Karlsson, Trumpet (May 4)
Sean Biehn, Trombone
Josh Henderson, Violin
Maya Bennardo, Violin (May 5)
Patrick Swoboda, Bass
Matthew Overbay, Percussion
Jeffrey Eng, Percussion (May 5)

About 100 Proof Arts Collective

100 Proof Arts Collective is a group of young artists devoted to creating new works and adapting classic pieces of music, literature, painting, sculpture and theatre. Distinctions between different art forms are confining, detrimental to innovation and just plain silly--we want to smash through those barriers. We want to develop new works of theatre and music, live action art pieces, film, and studio art. Whatever will make people sit up and pay attention. This issue issue remains largely unaddressed in the arts; 100 Proof isn't about making statements, but asking questions, the kind that sting a little in the back of your throat. If it burns a little on the way down, it's working.

100 Proof was founded by actors William Vaughn, Niall Powderly, and musician Chuck Furlong. Check out their website 100ProofArts.weebly.com for more information on how the collective came to exist. They're also on twitter under the name @100ProofArts if that's easier to follow.

Access Theater is located at located at 380 Broadway at White Street, (2 blocks South of Canal) on the 4th Floor.

Arts.Dance