LEO Weekly (Louisville, Kentucky) October 16, 2007

THEATER
Saturday, Oct. 20
‘Start Up’

The Germans are coming — danke to Specific Gravity Ensemble, the Louisville theater company that will play host to the one-night-only performance of German Theater Abroad’s multi-media play “Start Up.” While GTA is mostly known for performing in New York (fulfilling its mission to promote German theater in other countries), its associate company, Road Theater USA, ventures into flyover country. In “Start Up,” a band of young Germans, played by three German actors, make their way across America to find their fortune. Two American actors play the people they meet in launching their start-up. The cross-country tour of this farce, by German playwright Roland Schimmelpfennig, takes the ensemble from New York through 24 cities over seven weeks. In the process, two Austrian video artists are documenting the trip and incorporating filmed montages into the play.

Daniel Brunet, Road Theater’s associate director/associate producer, said the company chose Louisville in large part because it is “a hotbed for new plays,” given the presence of Actors Theatre’s Humana Fest.

Specific Gravity artistic director Rand Harmon decided to help the company present the production when Road Theater members were here in June scouting locations. Harmon says both companies share the same artistic goal: to produce unconventional new work that addresses contemporary life. The performance takes place at the former home of Mom’s Music, so seating is limited.

—Elizabeth Kramer

Original Mom’s Music Building
2920 Frankfort Ave.
384-2743
www.specificgravityensemble.com
www.roadtheater.org
$15, $12 students; 8 p.m.