Internationally acclaimed theater ensemble Mabou Mines celebrates 40 years of creating groundbreaking theater with the world premiere of FINN, a digital and live-action adventure based on the ancient Celtic legend of Finn McCool opening on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place).
A digital and live-action adventure based on the Celtic legend of Finn McCool
Internationally acclaimed theater ensemble Mabou Mines celebrates 40 years of creating groundbreaking theater with the world premiere of FINN, a digital and live-action adventure based on the ancient Celtic legend of Finn McCool opening on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place).
Conceived and directed by Mabou Mines co-artistic director Sharon Fogarty, and written by Jocelyn Clarke, this original theatrical work blends traditional storytelling and music with large-scale digital technology. Finn McCool, part mortal, part magical, battles his boyhood demons and emerges a young man ready to lead his band of men. Live performers interact with digital animation in this adaptation of a timeless legend. FINN is produced by Mabou Mines in association with Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, New York University.
In keeping with the Mabou Mines tradition of adapting classics such as Peter & Wendy, Mabou Mines Dollhouse, and Gospel at Colonus, FINN offers a sophisticated and engaging interpretation of the Celtic legend of Finn McCool re-imagined for a new generation of theatergoers. FINN follows a boy’s coming of age quest to avenge his father’s death and seize leadership of the clan. Through his journey, he encounters a series of trials testing his moral fortitude. Large-scale digital imagery transports the audience from forest to a battlefield as the young hero learns the lessons of leadership. The FINN legends are among the oldest in Western culture and as with ancient mythological cycles, these enduring tales remain vibrant and relevant today.
Along with Fogarty and Clarke, digital artists Misha Zabranska and Misha Votruba, and composers Phil Cunningham and Manus Lunny construct an environment in which live actors co-exist and interact with animated characters and settings creating an epic fantasy adventure.
Robbie Collier Sublett (’06 NYU alumnus) will play the title role joined by storyteller cast members Jarlath Conroy, Brandon Goodman (’09 NYU alumnus) and Dion Mucciacito.
The production also features a set by Milan David, costumes by Meganne George, lighting by Mary Louise Geiger (associate chair, NYU Dept. of Design for Stage and Film), sound by John Plenge, and choreography by Doug Elkins.
Mabou Mines is a collaborative theater ensemble founded in 1970 and based in New York City. The current co-artistic directors are Julie Archer, Lee Breuer, Sharon Fogarty, Ruth Maleczech, Fred Neumann and Terry O’Reilly along with artistic associates Honora Fergusson Neumann, Karen Kandel, Clove Galilee and David Neumann. The company has created more than 60 original works and adaptations of classics and is widely regarded as among the most influential and respected American experimental theatre ensembles. Mabou Mines’ work has been presented throughout the United States, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company has received over 100 awards & citations, including an OBIE award for Sustained Achievement, the 2007 Edwin Booth Award as well as two 2009 Drama League nominations.
FINN runs Thursday – Friday March 4 & 5th at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 6th at 2 & 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 7th at 2 p.m. NYU Skirball Center is conveniently located at 566 LaGuardia Place near the corner of Washington Square South. BY SUBWAY A, B, C, D, E, F, V to West 4th Street From West 4th Street Station, walk four blocks east on West 4th Street to LaGuardia Place. Tickets are $30-$55 and may be purchased online, by calling 212.352.3101, or by visiting the Skirball Center box office in person. The box office is located in the Skirball Center lobby at 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South) and open Tuesday-Saturday, 12noon-6pm.
The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU
The Skirball Center is the premier venue for the presentation of cultural and performing arts events for NYU and lower Manhattan. The programs of the Skirball Center reflect NYU’s mission as an international center of scholarship, defined by excellence and innovation and shaped by an intellectually rich and diverse environment. Since 2003, the 860-seat Center has provided a unique venue for enhancing a sense of community while continuing the Greenwich
Village traditions of creativity and artistic discovery with a broad range of compelling performance events at affordable ticket prices. Led by Executive Producer Jay Oliva (President Emeritus, NYU) and Director Michael Harrington, a natural and vital aspect of the Center’s mission is to build young adult audiences for the future of live performance.