The Brooklyn Rail

Saving Their Tales

By Valerie Work

Marine biologists are the new rock stars,” proclaim Jessica Brater and Katya Schapiro, Artistic Director and Artistic Associate of Brooklyn-based theater company Polybe & Seats. Both are clearly excited about their company’s newest project, which will encompass ocean conservation and mermaids.

Having Their Cake, and Meaning It Too

By Jacob Gallagher-Ross

Once upon a time, downtown theater took itself very seriously.

In Dialogue

BRING A WEASEL AND A PINT OF YOUR OWN BLOOD

By Trish Harnetiaux

I must confess that I find it rather difficult to define the word “adaptation.” It seems conceptually overwhelming—like “technology” or “Africa.”

So Many Players

By Miriam Felton-Dansky

Philadelphia, January, 1767. A group of white actors prepared for a production of Voltaire’s Orphan of China by applying yellow face paint and donning (inaccurately) Middle Eastern costumes.