Necromancers of the Public Domain
How To Sing a Song (1918)
Each month, Theater of the Apes plucks a long forgotten volume from the shelves of the New York Society Library and resurrects it as a low budget variety show.
This month: HOW TO SING A SONG: The Art of Lyric and Dramatic Interpretation by Mme. Yvette Guilbert (1918)
"As I have often repeated, the song is nothing else but a condensed drama. Its interpretation is as difficult as it is easy. Difficult because you bear the whole burden of its interpretation, easy because you are independent and unhampered. You are alone on the stage, each spot of it is by your will the center beyond the dispute and beyond the envy of inferior collaborators.
You are the only star, you are your own stage manager, you are sometimes your own librettist and composer, your own costumer.
If you are loyal to yourself, you will be your own critic and perhaps the most reliable.
You will be your own property man and you will very judiciously provide for your little play the vital accessories talent instead of routine, distinction instead of vulgarity, observation which you will train by studying mankind around you, and above all instruction instead of ignorance."
TICKETS
Featuring a stellar line up of musicians, theatermakers, and other artistic ne'er do wells soon to be announced. Hosted by Ayun Halliday (No Touch Monkey! / NURSE)
Grab some wine or beer in the lobby before the show, as you peruse HOW TO SING A SONG: The Art of Lyric and Dramatic Interpretation) for free online
Bio: Theater of the Apes is an East Harlem-based theater company dedicated to affordable ticket prices, fresh takes, and the comedy of existence. Founded by Ayun Halliday and Greg Kotis in the late 90s, the Apes managed just one credit - the original New York International Fringe Festival production of Urinetown: The Musical - prior to disappearing from view due to the exigencies of parenthood. The Apes rose again in the second decade of the 21st century. Original productions include Lunchtime by Greg Kotis and Zamboni Godot and Nurse by Ayun Halliday. Join the Apes at the Tank this holiday season for the 10th anniversary of Greg Kotis' The Truth About Santa. Human see, Human do