A Serial Songspiel
Written and composed by Ellen Maddow
Directed by Paul Zimet
Presented by La Mama Experimental Theater Club and Talking Band
Efflorescence tells the story of six disparate people who have been living together for a year in an old farmhouse in the Catskills that has been transformed into a safe haven for Vulnerable Expendables. The story unfolds over seven nights that coincide with the nights on which each episode will be presented. The characters begin each night by singing together while they wash their hands outside in a tub of warm water. Each night they take a turn telling stories – stories of life-changing encounters with dogs, snakes, obscene plant life, sea nymphs, and the School of Disembodied Poetics. Linking these tales is the story of their evolving relationships – their struggle and fascination with each other and the natural world around them. The first episode begins on a night when a mysterious stranger arrives, shaking up the world they have created for themselves.
The cast of Efflorescence features Will Badgett, Suli Holum, Jax Jackson, Violet Newman, Tina Shepard, Louise Smith and Connie Winston along with musicians Maria Kovacevic and Sam Kulik. Sound design is by Tyler Kieffer with additional musical arrangements by Sam Kulik and Maria Kovacevic. Illustration by Marc Bovino.
Free 10-15 minute audio episodes will be released daily from March 29- April 4, 2021 HERE and aired at 6:30pm.
On April 6, 2021 at 7pm, La MaMa and Talking band will premiere the full piece followed by a post-show conversation with the artists.
Pay What You Can $5 – $25