Theodora Skipitares's newest work, The Four Lives, will premiere at La MaMa later this spring.
Known for her use of puppetry to reimagine classic Greek texts, Skipitares is a resident director at La MaMa. Beginning performances April 5, the world premiere production will run through April 21 at the Ellen Stewart Theatre. Opening night is set for April 7.
The Four Lives is inspired by the belief of the ancient philosopher Pythagoras, who believed that each soul experiences four lives—as a mineral, a vegetable, an animal, and a human. The Four Lives depicts these soul changes through a variety of puppets in different, immersive environments.
Created and directed by Skipitares, The Four Lives features music by Sxip Shirey. The piece also features scenic design by Donald Eastman, lighting design by Frederico Restrepo, costume design by Jan Leslie Harding, and puppetry direction by Jane Catherine Shaw. Skipitares worked closely with Eastman and Shaw to create the visual ephemera throughout the piece. The score is performed live by Nathan Respasz, Brittany Harris, and Alexandria Smalls.
For more information, visit LaMaMa.org.