NEW YORK – The Tank NYC presents Antonin Artaud – 130th Anniversary, directed by Ioli Andreadi, through April 18. A theatrical tribute honoring the 130th anniversary of the birth of the great, groundbreaking artist and thinker Antonin Artaud, written by the two prolific Greek playwrights Ioli Andreadi and Aris Asproulis, the show consists of two new plays. ‘Bone’, starring famous Greek actor Gerasimos Gennatas, a much-talked-about show that returns to New York after the triumphant sold-out performances and rave reviews it received in 2023, and ‘Genica – The Jet of My Blood’, starring Vanessa Adamopoulou and Gerasimos Gennatas, a subversive show, presented for the first time in New York, about the great and stormy love of Antonin Artaud for his muse, the world famous star of silent cinema Genica Athanasiou.
The live music performance, original music and art sound design in both shows is by the
pioneering musician-performer George Palamiotis. Both plays in the Antonin Artaud – 130th Anniversary are being presented, back-to-back, in The Tank’s Proscenium Theater, 312 West 36th Street in New York City, through Saturday, April 18, ‘Bone’ at 6 PM and ‘Genica – The Jet of My Blood’ at 7:30 PM, with English surtitles.
Gerasimos Gennatas in ‘Bone’, directed by Ioli Andreadi. (Photo: Kiki Papadopoulou)
For those who have studied Artaud and the Theatre of Cruelty, or avant-garde theatre, in general, the plays offer an immersive overview of his journey as an artist and as a human being. His struggles become our struggles as he shares his story.
Gerasimos Gennatas, in the physically and emotionally demanding role of Artaud, brings his characteristic wit and charm as well as an authenticity to his performance in both plays. With a change of expression and altering his vocals, he transforms in front of the audience’s eyes.
Vanessa Adamopoulou shared her strong stage presence in ‘Genica’, the second of the two plays in the Artaud tribute, offering a well-balanced performance while navigating complicated relationships.
Following the opening night of Antonin Artaud- 130th Anniversary, Meghan Finn, Artistic Director of The Tank, addressed the attendees, with Aris Asroulis, center. Photo by Eleni Sakellis
George Palamiotis impressed the audience with his music which enhanced the atmosphere of the shows and captured the spirit of Artaud.
Following the opening night performances on April 16, audience members had the opportunity to meet and congratulate the performers and one of the playwrights, Aris Asproulis. Andreadi was delayed but arrived the next day to attend the remaining shows.
Meghan Finn, Artistic Director of The Tank, addressed the attendees following the show, thanking everyone for attending and noting that this is the seventh project that Andreadi and Asproulis have brought to the Tank. She looked forward to continuing to work with them on developing new projects.
More information and tickets available online: https://shorturl.at/YS2uw
Watch the trailer online: https://shorturl.at/75A0d
Antonin Artaud- 130th Anniversary opened on April 16 at The Tank in New York City. Photo by Eleni Sakellis
The Tank NYC presents Antonin Artaud – 130th Anniversary, directed by Ioli Andreadi, a theatrical tribute to the great, groundbreaking artist and thinker Antonin Artaud, written by two prolific Greek playwrights Ioli Andreadi and Aris Asproulis, running April16-18. (Photo: Courtesy of Ioli Andreadi)
