Since its founding in 1974 by Paul Zimet, Ellen Maddow, and Tina Shepard—all former members of Joseph Chaikin’s seminal Open Theater—The Talking Band has remained a cornerstone of New York City’s avant-garde theater community. The New York Times called them “one of the boldest and most venerable politically minded companies in New York experimental theater.” American Theater magazine has deemed them “one of the most exceptional theater companies in the country.”

Collectively, the company and founders have earned 18 OBIE awards including Life Time Achievement Awards for Paul, Ellen and Tina. The company has performed at nearly all of New York City’s celebrated downtown venues, including La MaMa, PS 122, Theater for the New City, Dance Theater Workshop, The Ohio Theater, The Flea Theater and HERE Arts Center. Nearly 50 of its original productions have toured the United States and the world. Notable productions include Shimmer and Herringbone, Existentialism, The Following Evening, Lemon Girls or Art for the Artless, Marcellus Shale, The Walk Across America For Mother Earth, Bitterroot, Painted Snake in a Painted Chair, Hot Lunch Apostles, Black Milk Quartet, and The Three Lives of Lucie Cabrol.

Over the past 50 years The Talking Band has created over fifty new works illuminating the extraordinary dimensions of ordinary life, each marked by a commitment to radical collaboration and a fusion of diverse theatrical styles and perspectives. Combining richly textured music-theater with striking visual imagery, The Talking Band’s elegant, eloquent, profound performance work is infused with creative generosity that makes each show an experience that is as emotionally moving as it is aesthetically rich.

The Taking Band Team

Sam Chase, Managing Director
John David West, Director of Marketing