WHAT IS THE PROJECT?

We, The Middle Voice Theater Company, are bringing Clifford Odets’ Waiting For Lefty* back to the stage, and beyond.

Waiting For Lefty is a 1935 play by Clifford Odets that explores the meeting of a union of taxi drivers and their decision to strike. It is an episodic piece that challenges the margins of both class structure and theatrical convention, at once ground-breaking in its time and particularly relevant to our current political and economic climate. It is a play that holds up the mirror of culture to its audience, not merely artistic pursuit.

In 1935, America was afraid; afraid of its poverty, its government, its deteriorating families, its people in the face of a shifting national identity, and a failed Dream. It was afraid of the unknown in the reality of capitalist structures, which, no matter how loud the Workers voice became, remained unbending and unaltered.
This picture of America, fighting to pull itself out of a devastating economic depression and struggling to unite across differences of class, race, and political convictions, is familiar to us today.

Odets knew that theater has a unique power, one capable of rousing America out of its fear, in a way subversive political writings and secret meetings can not. Odets' Waiting For Lefty is relevant to us now because it asks America to join the good fight, not simply observe it. This show can be recognized by Americans in any situation at any time; whether on Wall Street, in Central Park, under the Brooklyn Bridge, the Upper East Side, or at a church in the Bronx.

Our production of Waiting For Lefty will be performed at Access Theater in Manhattan June 28th – July 1st 2012. Our goal is to tour the production  to different non-traditional spaces in, around, and outside of New York.

Rehearsals began on Tuesday, June 5th.

WHO ARE WE?

We are The Middle Voice! We are a company of young artists from all categories of class, race, religion, and political demographics; a mix of actors, directors, and playwrights. Our mission is to create theatre that takes risks, challenges ourselves and others, and encourages ensemble. We are in the business of taking our fear and confronting it in art, and letting it drive us with a fierce, and unbending hope.

In the fall of 2012 we will begin a residency with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City, where we will create a season that furthers our mission and supports that of Rattlestick.

WHY DO WE NEED YOUR HELP?

Odets recognized theatre as a public, collective act. By donating to this campaign you are participating in this story and our production.

WHAT WILL YOUR MONEY ACTUALLY BE USED FOR?

Your generous donations will help to cover the cost of New York City theatre space; as well as costumes, props, and travel expenses (for future performances).

We will not be charging admission to any performance, so your donations and support are vital to the success of this production!

WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE PRODUCTION?

The Middle Voice’s Lefty, by Clifford Odets, directed by Jenna Worsham, will be performed June 28th – July 1st at Access Theater in New York City (380 Broadway @ White Street, 4th Floor) and will continue to be performed throughout the summer all over the five Burroughs and beyond! Maybe even in your backyard (if you invite us).

**TO RESERVE TICKETS please email: middlevoicetc@gmail.com
With the show date, your name, and the number of tickets you would like in the SUBJECT.**

Check out our Facebook Page and Video Blog!

*WAITING FOR LEFTY by Clifford Odets is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.