INDUSTRIAL VALLEY @ NEW WOLD PERFORMANCE LAB

Through May 28, 2017

(330) 867-3299

Or https://nwplab.com

Kerry Clawson

The artists of New World Performance Lab have created a rich multi­media production that brings audiences into the heart and soul of Akron’s labor movement from 1932-1936.  The original work, "Industrial Valley," devised by NWPL’s company of seven with director James Slowiak, is based on the 1939 book of the same name by Ruth McKenney, who was a Beacon Journal reporter in 1933-34. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind play continues its world premiere this weekend at Balch Street Theatre in Akron.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

GOOSETOWN @ NEW WORLD PERFORMANCE LAB

April 28, 29 & 30 and May 26, 27 & 28, 2017

(330) 867-3299

Or devilsmilk.bpt.me

Kerry Clawson

"Goosetown" is the result of an ambitious two-year project to create an original musical steeped in Akron’s rubber history, set in 1913 when the city’s booming factories drew thousands of immigrants and out-of-state workers. ... Six of the seven characters have a tragedy or cross to bear. But Buck has created essentially six separate story lines that run simultaneously, and although these stories intersect, we don’t often feel their characters connecting on a deep level. Goosetown has gone through several workshops and many revisions, but these separate stories could still stand to be streamlined and simplified.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

DEATH OF A MAN @ NEW WORLD PERFORMANCE LAB

Through Sunday, May 14, 2017

(330) 867-3299

Or https://nwplab.com

Kerry Clawson

Somber lighting, chanting and the ritual shaking of a tree branch by Colombian actor Jairo Cuesta has the Man warding off evil spirits as the story unfolds of more than two decades of terror and enslavement of the indigenous Uitotos by the rubber supplier. ... Directed by co-artistic director James Slowiak, the bald, shirtless Cuesta moves fluidly, at one with the jungle as he portrays a hissing snake, snarls as a four-legged animal and perches on a box like a large bird.
 
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.