Created by the PTTP ensemble
Written by Liz Blocker and Nicole duFresne
Directed by Dani Snyder.

Inspired by, and based loosely on the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, MONSTER is an often intriguing, sometimes bizarre, and always compelling mixture of ancient tragedy and modern comedy. The story traces the clash of three different cultures as they struggle for individual and national power amidst a maze of fear, confusion, and betrayal.

The heart of the story is Strion, the monstrous son of Inos, king of the serpentine, desert land of Etrecis. When Inos hides his son's deformity inside the Labyrinth, and demands retribution from his ancient enemies in the cold, rocky country of Netthanesigar, he unleashes a force that begins to spiral out of control. And when a young girl from Home (a Technicolor 1950s America of Jell-o molds and candy colors) disappears into the Labyrinth itself, whole nations are swept up in the storm of rage, revenge, and greed that threatens to shake the very foundations of the world itself.

While countries battle over the possession of the monstrous "weapon" and families fight both themselves and the outside world, we glimpse the little girl and the Monster inside the Labyrinth and witness the birth of their eventual friendship. Through it all, we watch as the characters struggle with their choices, revealing humanity in the most unlikely of places, and avarice where it is least expected.

Performances begin on Thursday, October 16.
This limited engagement runs through October 26th.
Preview is October 16th at 7 PM and Opening Night is Friday October 17 at 7 PM.
Tickets are $15.00 / $12.00 for groups and seniors.

Oct 16 Preview 7pm
Oct 17 opening 7pm
Oct 18 2pm, 7pm
Oct 19 2pm

Oct 22 7pm
Oct 23 7pm
Oct 24 7pm
Oct 25 2pm, 7pm
Oct 26 2pm
*Equity Approved Showcase

Performances will be held at:

HERE Arts Center
145 6th Ave. (between Spring & Broome)
For Tickets & Information:
www.here.org
212/868-4444

Administration

Patrick Zeller (PTTP Founder)
Jodi Beznoska, (Producer/Business Manager)
Dani Snyder, (Director)
Nicole duFresne, (Writer/PR)
Liz Blocker, (Writer)
Colleen McKnight, (Dramaturge)
Julie Christeas,(PR Coordinator)
Emily Lefren-Brown, (PR Coordinator)

Press Contact:
Nicole duFresne
(646) 773-0772
nicole@PTTP.net

Cast

Liz Blocker - Siggy
Julie Christeas - Queen Aggy/ Princess Ariadne
Mark Cirnigliaro - King Inos/Tom
Rachel diCerbo - Little Girl
Nicole duFresne - Hans
Nick Jaeger - King Frank
Lindsay Joy - Debs/Debra/Debbie
Emily Lefren-Brown - Queen Babs
Charles Linshaw* - Strion/Andrinos
Amanda J. Mantovani - Queen Asi
Matthew Trumbull - Las/Harry
Patrick Zeller* - Theseus
*Members of Actors Equity Association

Production

Stephen Cramer, Production Stage Manager
Ryan Baker, Composer/Sound Designer
Melissa Mizell, Lighting Design
Sarah Krainan, Set Design
Brian Maschka, Production Manager
Elizabeth Ross, Film Coordinator
Bud Durand, Film Guru

J.Ray Sparks, Graphic/Web Design

About PTTP

In an age of globalization and given the nomadic nature of the theater industry, we have built an ensemble-based model of new work creation that spans a full year, enabling the ensemble to conduct research while pursuing their independent careers. The first meeting was held in November 2002 in a small apartment in Brooklyn. It was a gathering of like minded people who were excited about creating an original piece of theater, a story with a core that is urgent and immediate and relevant to the times in which we are living. Patrick Zeller, the founder of PTTP, sought to band together a group of artists that were not satisfied in simply retelling stories, but rather interpreting and building a play based on stories that are being told everyday around us, the story we are all living, right now.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create new and relevant works of theater by exploring contrasting viewpoints and perspectives.

Objectives

• To use the ensemble theater process to foster an atmosphere of creativity and push the boundaries of traditional theater.
  
• To provide a safe environment in which to discuss, debate and reflect on current social and political issues/events.
  
• To recognize the need of artists to pursue independent careers, while providing a fertile ground for experimentation.
  ·

Present Tense Theater Project is proud

to be performing at HERE Art's Center.

Since opening in 1993, HERE Arts Center has housed New York's most daring and unique theater, art, music and dance in its three theaters, two art galleries and café. Previous works originally produced by HERE include Eve Ensler's THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, Basil Twist's SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE, the inaugural production of HERE's Dream Music Puppetry Program, Camryn Manheim's WAKE UP! I'M FAT and original dance-theatre works created and directed by Kristin Marting. HERE Arts Center supports the work of artists at all stages in their careers through fully-produced works, commissions and subsidized performance and rehearsal space. In addition, HERE's staff provides marketing, technical and administrative consultation and support. All work at HERE is curated based on the strength and uniqueness of the artist's vision. This production is being presented through HERE's Supported Artist Program, which provides artists with subsidized space and technical and administrative support.