Less Than Rent's poster for the production. photo credit: Jamie Chance
Over this past year, some Fordham Theatre students got together and created a company called Less Than Rent Productions. This summer, they are performing a "punk rock musical" adaptation of Richard III by William Shakespeare. The director, James Presson, adapted the script and added all of the music. The play takes place after WWIII in "conditions that can only be described as a man made Apocalypse". There is nothing useful left. It has all been destroyed in the war. The survivors of the war are torn, battered and malnourished. Instead of wearing cotton clothing, they wear materials such as spandex, trash bag pants, pleather, vests made out of bottle caps, tinsel, and any other found object.
Some of the company.
photo credit: Jamie Chance
The company consists of about 33 talented artists and designers. They've all worked very hard to bring the director's vision to life. This weekend they succeeded. They had their first two performances at the Ellen Stewart Theatre at La Mama. In my opinion, they pulled it off with flying colors. It captivated me. Through the adaptation, every audience member can empathize with at least one of the characters. I, personally, felt an emotional connection to Queen Elizabeth, played by Rachel Buethe. Her character is riveting and compelling.
In rehearsal
In rehearsal photo credit: Jamie Chance
Also, two of our tour guides, RJ and Rebecca, are involved in the production. Both have been extremely excited about the Richard 3. RJ plays Catseby, one of Richard's assassins. Rebecca is the assistant costume/makeup designer. They constantly talk about it in the office. RJ can been heard running lines here and there, while Rebecca works on some of the costumes. One piece I loved was the awesome vest made entirely out of soda tabs and bottle caps!
During one of teh runs.
If anyone is interested the Fringe Festival continues throughout the month of August and the first few weeks of September. Less Than Rent's Production of Richard 3 has three performances left. August 18th, 19th, & 20th. I totally recommend anyone who is in the area go an see it!
Check out company and Fringe's webstie for more information:
www.lessthanrentprocuctions.com
www.fringenyc.org
During one of teh runs. photo credit: Jamie Chance
If anyone is interested the Fringe Festival continues throughout the month of August and the first few weeks of September. Less Than Rent's Production of Richard 3 has three performances left. August 18th, 19th, & 20th. I totally recommend anyone who is in the area go an see it!
Check out company and Fringe's webstie for more information:
www.lessthanrentprocuctions.com
www.fringenyc.org
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