LaChiusa's A.R.T. makes WNY debut
by KATHERINE WUTZ Intern

American Repertory Theater of Western New York Artistic Director Matthew LaChiusa says his new company is committed to bringing the art of theater into the 21st century.

The American Repertory Theater of Western New York (A.R.T.) will hold its debut event at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. in downtown Buffalo.

This event will feature three different musical acts, as well as an original one-act play titled "Superhero Blues."

The event will begin with food, wine pouring from Niagara County wineries, and Dixieland jazz from the Ballroom Buzzards. "Superhero Blues" will be performed at 8:30 p.m., followed by music from calypso band Caribbean Extravaganza and country trash rockers Dick W hiskey.

Artistic Director Matthew LaChiusa describes A.R.T. as being a different sort of theater company, committed to bringing the art of theater into the 21st centur y.

"I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel," LaChiusa said. However, he is trying to incorporate modern elements such as multimedia and nontraditional settings into theater in order to reach a modern audience whose collective attention span has been shortened.

For example, "Superhero Blues" is set in a bar, but rather than performing it on a traditional stage, it will be shown at the bar at the Town Ballroom. LaChiusa hopes this will create a more interactive and sensory audience exper ience.

As far as a permanent location for A.R.T., LaChiusa said he is presently maximizing what the city offers, whether it is Rust Belt Books or a space that allows for a presentation to be held. "We have plans in the making to find a permanent space," he said.

Still, despite its unique approach, LaChiusa said the company retains the traditional "passion for the good story that needs to be told."

Another facet of A.R.T.'s repertoire is the Community Dialogue Series. These programs bring in a guest panel to talk about community issues or issues pertaining to the current play, interacting with the audience to create a forum for discussion.

"Theater has always been a focal point for people to gather to gain information and news," LaChiusa said. "Our dialogue programs won't have someone standing in front of a group of people talking to them. We will have community leaders engaging our guests in conversation using a more informal approach."

LaChiusa hopes this program will help the community form a "vested interest," not only in A.R.T., but in the arts in Buffalo and Western New York as a whole. He looks to host these programs three to four times a season.

"I've always loved Western New York," LaChiusa said. "Its assets are tremendous, but the culture is so untapped here."

LaChiusa grew up in Chautauqua Country, but only moved back to the area seven years ago after living in Louisiana for a time. Shortly afterward, he formed A.R.T., which was incorporated in January 2007. Tickets to A.R.T.'s debut are $40 and can be purchased by calling 852-3900. The event is a masquerade, but LaChiusa said, "Masks are optional, revelry is required." V isit www.artofwny.org.