Dan's Papers - April 11, 2008 -

I must introduce you to the Flea Theater. If you've got your ear to the street, you probably already know about this haven for drama, but if not, let me tell you, it's one of the best small theaters in the city.

My introduction to the Flea was a baptism of fire: Adam Rapp's Bingo with the Indians. In their 40-seat theater, I sat in the front row, just inches from the action. It was intense. The theater space and content of the play made for a dynamic situation where I felt like I was part of the story.

Most recently, I caught Lower Ninth by Beau Willimon and it gave me the same feelings of connection and severity, but this time I was five rows back, in their 80-seat theater. When the houselights came on, I realized that it wasn't simply the intimate space of the two theaters, but the Flea's ability to get top-rate playwrights and stellar actors who are willing to experiment - who aren't okay with performing Death of a Salesman and calling it a day. That's not what this place is about. It's Off-Off Broadway in the proudest sense. Their mission statement sums it up best: "Part playground, part laboratory, and part training ground, we have been home to established artists taking new risks, emerging artists developing their ideas, and mid-career artists building sustained audiences."

Bingo with the Indians serves as a perfect example of the Flea's mission. Rapp, an award-winning writer and Pulitzer finalist, could've had his pick of Manhattan theaters to debut his newest play, but he chose the Flea. It's a safe haven for people willing to take a chance. It is also a home for top-rated actors. When The Guys had its 13-month sold-out run, it featured Tim Robbins, Sigourney Weaver and Anthony La Paglia.

Twelve years ago, director Jim Simpson, designer Kyle Chepulis and playwright Mac Wellman began the Flea Theater. Now, the company rents three floors of a renovated Tribeca warehouse containing two theaters and has pulled in OBIEs and a Drama Desk Award in '04 for distinguished achievement. As an incubator for drama, the Flea plays host to the Bats, their resident repertory company. Every year over a thousand actors audition for these coveted positions. For writers, they offer the Pataphysics Playwriting Workshop. Pataphysics is a word coined by French writer Alfred Jarry in his play Guignol, which has come to be defined as "science of imaginary solutions." In these workshops esteemed playwrights lead students through writing experiments, conversations and lectures, allowing students to expand their realm of creative possibilities.

For your Hamptons connection (and there always is one) essayist, novelist, professor and playwright Roger Rosenblatt has been commissioned by the Flea to write two one-act plays, which will be performed in the autumn of '08. (A little secret: you may be able to preview them at Stony Brook Southampton this summer). Aside from supporting Hamptons writers, now is the time to get involved with the Flea. Off-Off Broadway surely doesn't rake in the bucks, so membership is important to support the Flea's endeavors. I have no personal stakes in the theater (save as an audience member) and I don't get a kickback, I just understand that creativity has to take a backseat to economics far too often. With your support the Flea can continue to take risks on talented productions - and it will get you discounts to shows and invites to special events like their limited run of Oh, the Humanity and Other Good Intentions starring Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei.

If you've been itching for some great new theater, skip Broadway and head downtown. I know Tribeca can be a hassle for those on the Upper East Side, but the trip is well worth it. If you want to make a night of it, the Tribeca Grand is just down the block.

The Flea Theater is located at 41 White Street (between Church and Broadway). For schedules and information on membership call (212) 226-2407.