Baal

Baal is Bertolt Brecht’s first play about an amoral young poet who uses his talent to seduce, philander, perform and drink his way through life.

Baal lives in a world of pleasures without regret. Society and religion dictate that this is the wrong way to live. Baal lives outside the box and rejects its safety. Is it Baal’s rejection of the “rules” of society that causes his downward spiral, or simply the “rules” themselves?

In this production, directed by Charmian Creagle, a woman is cast in the title role. Is “he/she” another one of life’s many boxes? Gender and sexuality in our society are still hot-button issues where people try to fit life into definitive boxes. “Are you gay or straight?” “How can one physically be female and feel male?” Why are these definitions so badly needed when it makes more sense to accept that a whole range of possibilities exists? Society is STILL very gender specific. It must fit “in the box.”

This production of Baal is in a different type of box. With music composed by Alan S. Hewit, the theater itself is a dark Weimer cabaret where the old German and new American freaks and artists converge to tell the story of a character who is a hero to some and a demon to others.

NOTE: This production contains nudity.

**Equity Approved Showcase**

Groups: 212-307-9467