mission | shakespeare & classic texts | original works | kids' programs

Mission
The word, "moonwork", describes humans' first efforts to unleash their creative spirit beyond the confines of the rising and setting sun. Seated around the light of harnessed fire, our ancestors looked beyond the needs of the day. Beneath the moon, they explored their curiosity, intellect and visions of beauty. Those moments were the birthplace of theater, of poetry and of true community. Those moments are defined as "moonwork."

Like the first people to perform "Moonwork," we exist as the result of a community. By offering a haven for new works to be performed and new concepts to be explored, we engender an atmosphere of unbridled creativity that benefits everyone.

Moonwork carries out its vision through three connected parts, an annual Shakespeare Production which weds 400-year old texts to modern contexts, the Evenings of Original Works series which showcases new works from local performance artists, and through an innovative kids outreach program.

In its short existence, Moonwork has achieved success both critically and in terms of the inspirational impact it has had on performers and audience members.

Shakespeare & Classic Texts
Moonwork's annual Shakespeare productions began in 1996 and have included two interpretations of Romeo and Juliet and productions of Hamlet, Richard III, A Midsummer's Nights Dream and What You Will (Twelfth Night). These productions have repeatedly opened to sold out audiences and standing room only crowds. Moonwork's Shakespeare has consistently received rave reviews from such prestigious sources as The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Village Voice, Time Out New York and Backstage.

Evenings of Original Works
Throughout each theater season, Moonwork produces fifteen Evenings of Original Works. Referred to as the "Best Comedy Show of 1999" by Time Out New York, these performances showcase the original work of emerging and established artists, comedians and musicians. Featured talent has included Janeane Garofalo, Judah Friedlander, Tom Shillue, Jim Gaffigan, Lewis Black, Rusty Magee, Grammy-Award-Nominee Tracy Bonham, Drama-Desk Award winner Erik Frandsen and Obie-Award winner Dale Orlandersmith.

Kids Programs
"The sights, sounds and emotions of Moonwork's Shakespeare for Kids provides the key to unlocking the child's love of learning," Stephen Michael Rondel, Theater and Acting Company Director, Children's Aid Society, Greenwich Village Center.

Moonwork is working to develop new and innovative ways to bring theater to kids. These efforts have included involving City School kids in Shakespeare on the Basketball Court, performing multi-media Shakespearean kids shows at Lincoln Center's Real to Reel series and sponsoring internships for high school seniors within our Shakespeare ensembles.