THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
A Tale of Love and Perimenopause –
from the East Village and Beyond
A Seriocomic Theater Fable
September 28 – October 1, 2023
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Run Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes with no Intermission
Tickets: $18, Students and Seniors $12
LIMITED RUN – 4 PERFORMANCES
Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Streets)
COMMUNITY SPACE
A Tale of Love and Perimenopause – from the East Village and Beyond written and directed by Joanne Schultz is a seriocomic theater fable about the ups and downs of a woman’s romantic relationships during perimenopause.
“It’s one woman’s unpredictable journey through perimenopause during two romantic relationships,” said Schultz, who has gone from working in The Bread and Puppet Theater to a career directing, devising and writing theater. “Perimenopause is the time leading up to a woman’s menopause that can last from two to fourteen years.”
Following one relationship, we watch the lead character The Woman Without a Clue pursue a romance with The Desperate Artist. With The Man in the Blue Blazer, we see her and those around her cope with symptoms of perimenopause including mood swings, fatigue and much more.
“Can her intimate relationships survive the strain?” Schultz asked. “Expect desire, anxiety, humor, pathos, whimsical use of props and information about women’s health in a playful theater show.”
The production seeks to weave together drama and humor as we follow one woman, her relationships and life as well as those around her in a story complete with laughter, love and struggle.
“The goal of the production is to create a seriously fun and accessible theater show to highlight women’s changes and challenges during perimenopause in their intimate partnerships,” Schultz added, “I hope to shift public perception so that women and all people who experience menopause can be fully accepted as themselves as they age. There’s no way an aging woman can remain forever 39. And why should she?”
The production will also include post-show talkbacks designed to promote dialogue, raise awareness and normalize these changes in public discourse.
Ralph Denzer and Susan Hwang add to the atmosphere by playing live their original incidental music influenced by jazz, samba, tango, pop and electronic music on trumpet, piano, accordion, synthesizer and percussion to create an array of musical textures and sound effects.
To learn more about this production visit: https://www.nyfa.org/fiscal-sponsorship/project-directory/view-project/?id=JS1449
The production is made possible in part by funds from Creative Engagement, a re-grant program supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council.
CAST
Isabelle Garbani – The Woman Without a Clue
Peter Welch* – The Desperate Artist, The Man in the Blue Blazer, Glamorous Death
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
PRODUCTION
Written and directed by Joanne Schultz
Music composed and performed by Ralph Denzer and Susan Hwang
Set design by Isabelle Garbani
Lighting design by Alexander Bartenieff
Costume Design by Billy Little
Stage Management by Ellery Cordes
Poster design by Claude Solnik
Photos by Nina Galicheva
Set Design Assistant – Isaac Woon
COVID Protocol:
As of September 26th, 2022, we are no longer requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for our audience upon entry.
Wearing of masks is suggested in the lobby, restrooms and performance spaces at Theater for the New City, but they are not required.