Puppet Republic…

Since I’m Czech, in love with puppets, and teaching Plato in Beirut, I’m tempted to fly back home to New York to see The Republic, Or, My Dinner With Socrates presented by La MaMa and the Czechoslovak American Marionette Theatre. Written and directed by Vít Hořejš (the most talented and dedicated puppeteer that I know), this imaginative puppet performance based on Plato’s dialogues uses writings and methods from the past to tackle some of the most pressing political and social issues today.

La MaMa Theatre, 74A E 4th St, NYC
November 29-December 15, 2013
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays @ 7:30 PM, Sundays @ 2:30 PM
Tickets available at www.lamama.org and at 212-475-7710

Was Socrates executed by a vigilant Athenian “department of homeland security?” We may not come to any conclusions, but we hope to open a dialogue in true Socratic method. Incorporating traditional Czech marionettes, found objects and shadow puppets, The Republic is an adaptation of Plato’s Republic with elements of the Crito and Phaedo dialogues). As in the 5th century B.C., political movements led by demagogues and sophists crush the voice of reason.

If you’re in New York, be sure to czech it out–and lend your support to a unique theatre company that lost precious production materials during Hurricane Sandy–but has emerged from the flood waters with a brand new production…