Experiential theatre company Mason Holdings' Hart Island opens March 13 at The Gym at Judson. The theatrical multimedia experience began performances March 8 Off-Broadway at The Gym at Judson. The limited run is scheduled through April 9.
Hart Island uses fictional documentary narration and historical research to bring together six voices connected with the U.S.'s largest mass graveyard. Featuring the voices of friends and family of the deceased, Rikers Island inmates, and gravediggers, the piece was written by Mason Holdings founder and artistic director Tracy Weller. Hart Island's cast includes Julie Asriyan, Nora Cole, Jimmy Crowell II, James Foster Jr., Daniel Kublick, David Samuel, and Tracy Weller.
The gravesite is the final resting place of over one million people, including homeless individuals, victims of disease, and those unclaimed by family. In 2002, the remains of Off-Broadway playwright Leonard Melfi were found by his family on Hart Island after attempts to locate his kin had reportedly been unsuccessful.
“The forgotten little islands of New York City, like Hart Island, offer profound enlightenment,” says Weller in a statement. “The word ‘island’ is born of the same root as ‘isolation.’ Every island, like every human, however, is the offspring of something greater."
The piece was developed with longtime collaborators director Kristjan Thor and set designers Christopher and Justin Swader. The creative team is rounded out by costume designer Natalie Loveland, lighting designer Christina Tang, sound designer Philip Carluzzo, video and projection designer Yana Biryukova, producer Reed Ridgley, and associate producer Rashad Bailey.
For tickets and more information, visit MasonHoldings.org.
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