Leaves of Grass August 14, 2009

MEDIA ALERT

the cell Presents Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass,
Without Irony or Clothing

Directed by Jeremy Bloom, Protégé of Tony Award Winner Mary Zimmerman

WHAT: LEAVES OF GRASS (www.leavesunbound.com), Walt Whitman’s collection of poems takes on new life through a naked, dance-inspired adaptation. The production, which highlights the poet’s text by projecting on the unclothed forms, features a diverse cast of over 20 performers rhythmically chanting Whitman’s most groundbreaking poems including “Song of Myself,” "I Sing the Body Electric," and "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking."

WHO: Written by Walt Whitman – Among one of the most influential American poets, Whitman is often called the father of free verse. His work was very controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection “Leaves of Grass” which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality.

Conceived and Directed by Jeremy Bloom – Directing and assistant directing credits include Metropolitan Opera, The Flea, NY Fringe, NYU Grad, The Tank, The Access Gallery, Midtown Festival (award winner), and Planet Connections. Bloom is an alum of Northwestern's Performance Studies program and Resident Artist at the cell.
Produced by the cell – Since its inception in 2006, the cell (Nancy Manocherian, Founding Director; Kira Simring, Artistic Director) has been, and continues to be, an incubator for creative projects. Through its strong commitment to cultivate undiscovered artists, the cell has created residencies for diverse groups including the Tandem Reading Series, Center for Contemporary Opera and The Blackboard Reading Series.

WHEN: Friday & Saturday (August 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29) – 8:00pm & 10:00pm
Sunday, Monday & Thursday (August 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27) – 8:00pm

Tickets are $20.00 ($15 Student/Senior discount) and available at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/73807, by calling 1.800.838.3006 or at the door on the evening of each performance


WHERE: the cell theatre
338 West 23rd Street (Between 8th and 9th Aves)
New York, NY
646.861.2253
www.thecelltheatre.org