Theatre Companies you should know about: The T.E.A.M. (Theatre of the Emerging American Moment)

The TEAM's Mission Drift: a Teaser from Rachel Chavkin on Vimeo.

Who are these people?

The T.E.A.M. was founded by NYU Ticsh grads way back in 2004. They were young, idealistic, and certain that they were going to revolutionize American theatre. Since those days, they have added a few NYU outsiders, enchanted a large European audience and won fists full of Edinborough Fringe Awards. Most importantly, they have somehow managed to figure out what theatre can do better than television and film—and they exploit the hell out of it.  They are genuine to the core, and seemingly ego-less artists who really just want you to have a great night in the theatre.  Although Europe has had a major crush on them since they first appeared at the Edinborough Fringe Festival, America hasn’t quite caught on. Their mediocre reviews for their latest show Mission Drift at PS122’s COIL Festival are befuddling, claiming that the two hour show goes on too long. I’m willing to bet, if you love innovative theatre mixed with soul-wrenching music and brave performances you will not want Mission Drift to end.   

 

the TEAM Mission Drift

Amber Gray,Libby King, Heather Christian, Mikaal Sulaiman and Brian Hastert

photo by Rachel Chavkin theteamplays.org



What do they do?

The T.E.A.M.  devises plays by “examining a wealth of material, ranging from existing texts (fiction, theory, drama, etc.) to images taken from visual art and film, and then combining that research with original writing and staging.” (theteamplays.org) They also throw in some bold physicality, an American history lesson, and a moving human (sometimes alien) journey.

the TEAM Mission Drift

Brian Hastert and Libby King

photo by Rachel Chavkin theteamplays.org

Why should I care?

Well, in the effort of full disclosure. I know a couple of these people and they are super cool.  Speaking as an objective theatergoer, you should care because what they do is insightful, moving and crazy energetic.  Although their dramaturgical choices are often bold, the simplest action or transformation of a prop can be the most surprising and heartbreaking thing to happen on stage.  In Particularly in the Heartland they somehow pulled off the perfect movie-montage with live theatre set to Sufjan Stevens in which a sprinkling of powdered sugar translated into snow fall, the passing of time, and the end of life.  They are basically the gold standard of what young, good, theatre looks like.


Where can I see them do cool stuff?
Lucky you!  You can see Mission Drift for the next two weeks (until February 4th) during PS122's COIL Festival at the Connely Theatre! For more information click here.  And if you want to go on a Tuesday or Wednesday use discount code mission15 for $10 off tickets!  How cool is that?  Go see it, you won't be disappointed.  If you are, I'll give you a hug and a plate of cookies.  I'm serious.  That's a threat.