America celebrated its 250th anniversary, its semiquincentennial in fact, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the Broken Umbrella Company is marking this special occasion with a new show “Revolutionary Haven: Myths of America." Come mark this historic milestone that reflects on the nation’s past by King George of England and a look at New Haven's part in the story as the Broken Umbrella Company focuses on our local participation in the struggle. This non profit theater company has already created original tales about lollipops, bicycles. libraries, corsets, pirates, toys, vaudeville, tires, matches, hamburgers, and, of course, pizza, since it began in 2008 with original works that spotlight New Haven’s unique history and culture. All the productions are performed in site specific locations to add to the magic of the show.
At the moment this creative troupe, that includes an improv group The Regicieds, is concentrating all its efforts on building a theater space in Westville. Formerly the home of a dry cleaners and mechanic shop, it will be the theater’s first permanent home and will house a community center, a multi-tiered space tailored for New Haven area arts as well as a black box theater for 90 participants, a cabaret and art gallery, and a restaurant and cafe. Space for workshops and classes and local performance groups will also be located at 280 Blake Street in Westville.
Right now Broken Umbrella is concentrating its artistic and historic efforts on the first half of “Revolutionary Haven: Myths of America” until Saturday, October 24. Recommended for ages 10 and up and running about 45 minutes, audiences are taken back in time to 1776 to 1779 when the newly formed colonists in Connecticut were working to free themselves from the yoke of King George and create a new homeland. Come meet Roger Sherman, a patriot and mayor of New Haven who has the distinction of being the only man to sign four important documents of democracy: the Contitutonal Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. You will also meet his counterpoint Benedict Arnold whose treachery is acknowledged and his treason confirmed as well as many colonists of the time working at this jobs.
The words, songs and stories you will hear as you venture room to room to hear, with tales and testimonies of the people who struggled to survive and persevere, often with original music and lyrics, and authentic costuming and original artwork by Kim Weston on the Black and Native American experience.
For tickets ($17.76,all wait listed at the moment) at 7:30 P.M.and 8:30 P.M. at 495 Blake Street, New Haven.
Come capture a real moment in New Haven history and imagine what will happen in the year 251 and beyond.
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