#masterpiece 💥Symphony of Rats, a President of the United States is receiving messages by means other than the known senses, and he doesn't know whether to trust them or not.
— from the introduction to Richard Foreman’s play Symphony of Rats
The Wooster Group first produced Symphony of Rats at The Performing Garage in 1988, with Richard Foreman directing. In 2022, when we asked the famous avant-gardist if we could create an entirely new production from his text, he said, “You can do whatever you want! I hope it's completely unrecognizable.” And this time, with LeCompte and Valk directing, it will be . . .
Our new Symphony Rats opens in spring 2024!
Performances
The Performing Garage, New York City
March 27 — May 4
Tickets »
Production Credits
SYMPHONY OF RATS
From a play by Richard Foreman
Directed by Elizabeth LeCompte & Kate Valk
With Niall Cunningham,* Jim Fletcher, Ari Fliakos, Andrew Maillet, Tavish Miller, Michaela Murphy, Guillermo Resto
Production Design: Elizabeth LeCompte
Sound Design/Music: Eric Sluyter
Video Design: Yudam Hyung Seok Jeon
Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton & Evan Anderson
Costume Design: Antonia Belt
Additional Sound & Video: Andrew Maillet
Assistant Director & Stage Manager: Michaela Murphy
Dramaturg: Matthew Dipple
Technical Director: Tavish Miller
Production Manager: Bona Lee (through 2023)
General Manager: Monika Wunderer
Producer: Cynthia Hedstrom
Original Songs: lyrics from Symphony of Rats by Richard Foreman; music by Suzzy Roche; additional music composition by The Wooster Group
Co-commissioned by piece by piece productions.
Thanks to Allison Chomet, Fales Library, Hai-Ting Chinn, David Glista, David Sexton, and Joseph Silovsky.
The text of Symphony of Rats is available in Unbalancing Acts: Foundations for a Theater by Richard Foreman.