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Posted on Wed, Mar 23, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.

The New Theatre Project announces the lineup for the company's second season

By AnnArbor.com Staff

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The New Theatre Project recently announced its lineup for Season 2: Revelation.

After an inaugural season about the shaping of one’s identity, the company moves to plays reflecting their current state — small and large moments of self-discovery and revelation. The season includes plays about magic and memory, war and weddings, death, art, and life. The company, which is committed to producing new exciting works through unconventional processes and non-hierarchical artistic collaboration, has moved into a new space, the Unit 5 Upstairs Studio at 220 Felch Street. (TNTP is also interested in hosting artists and musicians for upcoming projects. Contact them for more information.)

Here is a listing of the offerings for Season 2: Revelation.

• "The Tempest Project," inspired by William Shakespeare, in a collaborative adaptation by Audra Lord, directed by Keith Paul Medelis Sept.r 9-25, 2011 (previews on Sept. 6-8)

A yearlong project, "The Tempest Project" focuses attention away from Prospero in one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays. Using the process developed by TNTP through the popular "The Spring Awakening Project" and "The Everyman Project," we take a look at the isolation and enslavement of some of the play's smaller characters to explore its contemporary relevance in a new, overtly personal way. The cast uses inspiration from their own lives to build on Shakespeare’s text and invites input from the audience during the play’s year-long tour through Michigan. The season will end with "The Tempest Project: Final Revelation" to showcase all the voices who have contributed to the project.

• "Fugue," by Audra Lord, directed by Luna Alexander December 2-18, 2011 (previews on November 29-December 1) In a bleak, institutional space, James, Julie, Tina and Princess Stephanie recover from a shared tragic event that resulted in the complete loss of their memories. Fugue follows their attempts to remember, to forget, and to piece together their shared and individual identities. Is it better to leave the past behind? Or to remember, no matter what the cost? • "Iris," by Kevin Kautzman February 10-26, 2012 (previews on February 7-9) Iris believes it’s her wedding day and couldn’t be happier, but in reality, her father has conspired to sacrifice her to appease his demanding soldiery - well meaning men who will only go to war upon seeing their leader offer up that which he holds dearest. Based on Charles Mee’s "Iphigenia 2.0," itself based on Euripides’ "Iphigenia at Aulis," Iris examines the high price of an unjust war and questions our assumptions about the nature of marriage, leadership, and human history itself.

• "Decision Pending," by Jason Sebacher, directed by Keith Paul Medelis April 13-29, 2012 (previews on April 10-12) In 2006 a statue was erected in the conservative Midwest city of Brighton, Michigan. The figure is an abstraction of a nude male, placed in a very public place, near children, and a national war memorial. Hundreds, maybe thousands of editorials came pouring into the local newspaper expressing everything from disgust to disbelief to support and apathy. Now, nearly six years later, the statue withstands vandalism, pressure, and the occasional clothing. This devised theatre piece explores the nature of art, politics, and small town Americana by way of this “Naked Ugly Man.”

• "Those Particular Types of Insights Only Death Can Bring," by Jason Sebacher, directed by Ben Stange June 15-July 1, 2012 (previews on June 12-14) Two lovers connect before and after death. Together, they recall their relationship, and discover why it is only after death that one can truly know another.

• The New Voices Ensemble, a devised theatre piece from the minds of young people, directed by Diviin Huff July 12-15, 2012 High school actors from Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor embark on a devised theatre journey to discuss issues relevant in their lives.

• "The Tempest Project: Final Revelation," inspired by William Shakespeare and communities throughout Michigan, in a collaborative adaptation by Audra Lord, and directed by Keith Paul Medelis July 27-29, 2012 Ongoing throughout the season

"Day Play"

The New Ensemble creates a truth-inspired play about something that has happened in the last 24 hours in the next 24 hours. Playwrights write all evening, actors and directors rehearse all day, and the audience just gets to enjoy the ride. This massive and temporary creative endeavor promises to delight. This program will be offered a few times throughout the season; please check the website for details. "The Story"

Inspired by NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour, "The Story" chooses a theme and asks audience members to share their unscripted stories. An evening that promises laughter, tears, empathy and also live music, fun, and food. This program will be offered occasionally through the season; please check the website for details.

"The New Reading Series"

Staged and concert readings of original work as it begins its journey to the stage. Join us in October 2011 for this exciting series. Readings will occasionally be held throughout the season; check the website for details. Tickets for all shows are $15, and students/seniors/industry tickets are $10 (cash or check only). Tickets can be reserved by calling or texting The New Theatre Project box office at 734-645-9776 or emailing tickets@thenewtheatreproject.org. For more details, visit www.thenewtheatreproject.org.