Don’t care for theater? You’re not crazy about Shakespeare or “The Sound of Music?” Then meet T. Paul Lowry. He’s looking for people just like you. “I go after people who think they don’t like theater,” he said. As a matter of fact, Mr. Lowry wants to redefine theater. Of course, there are about as many definitions for theater as there are theaters, but Mr. Lowry is on to something. He defines theater as story-telling with tools, and everything is a potential tool. “As artists we are empowered by what we use to tell the story,” he said via telephone. And that includes location and site-specific theater.
“We’ve done shows in storefronts, back rooms in bars, on city buses and in vacant banks,” he said describing how effective it is when people suddenly find themselves truly engaged in theater. As the creative director for the New Haven Theater Company (NHTC), Mr. Lowry won’t do a curtain speech, but he’ll deliver a “cool, hip, and different” type of theater. “Our company offers more edgy, more off the beaten path type of theater,” he explained.
What is really interesting about the five year old NHTC is that it is a for-profit theater company, and it made a profit last year! “I think that ‘not-for-profit’ is an oxymoron,” he announced and then went on to explain one of his unique arguments. “I think that’s what is hurting so many theaters today,” he said adding that not-for-profit theaters don’t look to the audience for their money; they look to the same donors, the same contributors year after year. “I think these theaters are charitable, but at the same time I think that they lessen value. Traditional theaters focus on quality; everything is quality; NHTC focuses on value. We don’t sell any tickets for more than $20.”
As for people who think they don’t like theater, Mr. Lowry said, “People who don’t like theater don’t like stories. Who doesn’t like stories? That’s why theater as an art form will always be. For as long as there are stories, that’s how long there will be theater.”
Currently, J. Kevin Smith of Norwalk is producing David Mamet’s “GlenGary Glen Ross” for the NHTC. A trained and talented actor, Mr. Smith has appeared in Square One Theatre Company’s productions in Stratford. He is also a member of the NHTC. “You have to really be selective about the theater you associate with,” he said pointing out that it’s important to find companies that share the same values, and produce the same quality of performance that you want to be a part of. He is most happy with the NHTC and enjoys producing this particular show.
“GlenGarry Glen Ross” is definitely cutting edge and the language is pretty raw. The play was performed in a vacant bank and considering that the play is about money, it was a novel approach for sure. The NHTC rented the space from the developer. The show was so successful that they were asked to bring the show to the Playhouse on the Green in Bridgeport, and they are scheduled to bring it to SoNo (South Norwalk) from May 13 – May 23.
They’re remounting their unique production of the Pulitzer-prize-winning drama that deals with money, greed, job loss and the elusive American Dream. “Glengarry Glen Ross” will be performed Thursday through Saturday May 6 to May 8 at 8:00pm at 118 Court St., New Haven, and then move on to 31 South Main Street – Norwalk from May 13 – 23.
In addition to the site specific theater, NHTC also features on its website the following different theater types or units called :
Reel New Haven is a new venue where experienced and aspiring filmmakers can show off their talents and capture the sights and sounds of greater New Haven.
NHTC Presents
The mainstage will never be the same
The diverse and unique programming that is New Haven Theater Company
is highlighted with featured, full-length productions each year. When NHTC Presents…we engage audiences through classic and original stories with our distinct style.
The Funny Stages
The Funny Stages is NHTC’s comedy wing, offering an ever-changing lineup of innovative performances in New Haven and beyond!
The Farm
Growing tomorrow’s local stories today
The Farm maintains that the best stock of stories can be found in the lay of the local land. The Farm, or development wing of NHTC, cultivates the creative endeavors of local artists from the early stages of project organization through the fertilizing of ideas and project development to the full bloom of production for an audience.
Meter Theater
Let’s Take This Outside
Meter Theater breaks down the conventional walls of the theater to bring NHTC’s unique entertainment to the streets. Be it public transportation, sidewalks or parking spaces, Meter Theater presents site-specific original and adapted productions incorporating mask work, puppetry, improvisation, dance, live music and dramatic/comedic shorts that transforms your everyday environments into spectacular spaces of storytelling.
Teatro Del Sol y de La Luna
Leyendas de la vida
Teatro Del Sol y de La Luna provides Latin culture and heritage through colorful and exciting productions using mask, movement and music. The combination of classic mask work and movement with invigorating music brings the excitement and education of Latin folklore to young and young-at-heart audiences alike.
To learn more about NHTC contact the website at: http://www.newhaventheatercompany.com/about