Founded in 1980 by Artistic Director John Gould Rubin, The Private Theatre has been committed to the production of both new and classical theatrical works throughout its history. The company has a tradition of employing non-traditional theatrical conventions and of staging productions in unexpected venues. The Private Theatre’s past productions include:
Playing with Fire: Based on the Play by August Strindberg (2012): Based on a new adaptation of Strindberg’s 1893 play, this production was staged in a two-story burlesque house on the Lower East Side. To enhance the experience, pre-recorded and live video feeds were interspersed with the live action, allowing the audience to experience the story and characters from multiple perspectives. Our goal for this production was to create an imagistic world that supported the dream world of the play, an unusual tragicomic one act by Strindberg that deals with the limits of the convention of marriage. The production was driven forward by original music and choreography. One of our collaborators on the production, Raj Kottamasu, created a reel of the piece based on the footage that his team of videographers captured:
To see the online program for Playing with Fire, click here.
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (2010): Staged in the drawing room of an East Village townhouse, this production was filled to capacity nightly during its four-week run. Maintaining the tradition of providing unconventional experiences, the venue was revealed only upon confirmation of reservations. During the performances, audience members were seated throughout the drawing room, which allowed them to witness the unfolding tragedy of the protagonists in a very intimate way.
The Fartiste by Charlie Schulman and Michael Roberts (2006): The Private Theatre produced the world premiere of this musical at New York International Fringe Festival. The show was directed by Artistic Director John Gould Rubin and won the award for Outstanding Musical.
Jesus Hopped The A Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis (2000): The Private Theatre produced the European tour, including a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
