A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange

Hubris Theatre Company

Roy Arias Stage 7 Sage Theater

October 31, 2015

Photo courtesy of Hubris Theatre Compnay

The Hubris Theatre’s production of A Clockwork Orange is now playing at the Roy Arias Stage 7 Sage Theater (7^th Ave. and 48^th St.).  It is a gripping play, written by Anthony Burgess, who also wrote the novel.  Although about twenty minutes too long and full of disturbing violence, this is a well done work that is worth seeing.  The production is visually enthralling and makes relevant the well-known dystopian novel. 

Alex Tissiere in A Clockwork Orange
Photo courtesy of Hubris Theatre Company

The cast is a strong ensemble, playing numerous roles with crisp and clear characterization.  Alex Tissiere does a brilliant job with the lead role.  He skillfully delivers numerous Shakespearean-like monologues with that narrate his story.  He carries the action forward with depth and intention. 

The set design, by Scott Tedmon-Jones, is stark, cold, and conceptually serves multiple purposes.  The program notes by director John Bateman tells why he chose to produce this play.  The social relevance is evident in his stylistic choices and clearly depicted in the video selections used before and during the performance.  Unfortunately, the screens were placed on the stage right and left prosceniums, at time forcing you to switch focus from the action of important scenes.

The Hubris Theatre Company is a focused and skillful troupe worth following.  The space at Roy Aria Sage Theater is not the most comfortable or accessible, but it is open, clean, and easy to get to.  If you are a fan of the book or movie of A Clockwork Orange, this production will intrigue you.

Domenick Danza