September 28 – October 14, 2012

Two internationally acclaimed director-playwrights, Neil LaBute and Marco Calvani, explore different styles of contemporary Italian and American dramaturgy. Each wrote a short act play about “Family”, and then directed the other’s piece. This extraordinary project was developed during a residency at La MaMa Umbria and debuted at the Spoleto Festival in summer 2012.

“Lovely Head” by Neil LaBute directed by Marco Calvani

The story of a love affair centered on the obsession of a man for a girl. But why?

Starring Larry Pine* and Gia Crovatin

“Things of This World” by Marco Calvani directed by Neil LaBute

A mature woman and her hen-pecked butler are preparing the ritual of a supper for Wednesday’s guests. Amidst commands, regrets, small cruelties and a lack of tenderness, their relationship frays, revealing the shreds of their lives.

Starring Estelle Parsons* and Craig Bierko*

*Actors appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

Saturday, September 29, following the matinee performance of AdA, internationally acclaimed playwrights Neil LaBute and Marco Calvani will discuss the origins of their unusual collaboration, which began during a residency program at La MaMa Umbria, in Italy. The two writer/directors will talk about the creative process, the different perspectives of the writer and the director, and playwriting as a collaborative art form.

Discussion is free and open to attendees of the Saturday matinee and evening performances.

This project was created in association with Mixò (Italy) and Titania Produzioni (Italy), in collaboration with Spoleto55 Festival dei 2Mondi (Italy), Fringe Madrid (Spain), Independent English Theatre (UK/Italy), MTM (US/Italy) and was developed during a residency at La MaMa Umbria.