Theater Grottesco creates a new performance theater that is explosive, visually oriented and offers a fresh perspective of humanity and contemporary culture. The company was founded in Paris, in 1983, to create startling physical performance by juxtaposing classical theatrical styles with a daring and poetic research of culture and imagination. In 1984, after winning a major European festival, Grottesco made its first North American tour, winning 2 Drama Critic’s Awards. Co-founder/Artistic Director John Flax and Artistic Associate Elizabeth Wiseman moved the company to the United States in 1985, basing out of New York and Detroit before moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1996.
Through the years, the company’s work has been described as “geniusâ€, “joyousâ€, and “one of the most unique experiences in American Theaterâ€. Many of the styles Grottesco works with – Buffoon, Tragedy, Commedia Dell’Arte, and Clown - are rarely seen in North America. When the company blends these styles with dance and contemporary forms they create an exquisitely entertaining theater that speaks to audiences on an emotional level, celebrating humanity and underscoring pathos with humor.
Theater Grottesco has performed in 7 countries, 30 states, hundreds of smaller communities and most major U.S. cities including a 1999 production just Off Broadway in New York City. The company has created 10 full-length productions and over 30 shorter pieces, garnering an international award for Best Production, 12 National Endowment for the Arts Professional Theater Awards and grants from the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller MAP Fund. Grottesco artists have served in the acting ensemble at the Sundance Institute in Utah and have taught and served as guest directors at theaters, universities, corporations and public schools across the country.
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