Ours is an artisanal approach. We resist the drive to commercialism, unnecessary infrastructure, and adrenalin-fueled mass production currently stunting theatrical arts in America, instead favoring exquisite creation, subtly nuanced for small audiences, questioning intellects, and individual experience. An Akropolis performance does not open until the art is ready. Through ongoing ensemble trainin
g, as well as extended exploration and rehearsal processes -- both inherited and original to the company -- APL crafts unparalleled, deeply layered performance experiences at the intersection of source material, cultural heritage, physical action, music, dance, and personal memory. Reduced to its most fundamental level, theatre exists only in the relationship between actor and witness. Therefore, we embrace a minimalist aesthetic; we eliminate the noise of our modern, techno-frenetic world, bring clarity to the actor-witness relationship, and enrich the experience for all. Simultaneously ancient and new, beautiful and essential, our ensemble-creative-mind’s distinct aesthetic signature is Theatre of Polyphony. Co-Artistic Directors Joseph and Zhenya Lavy's artistic lineage comes through the Central and Eastern European heritage of Meyerhold, Vakhtangov, and Jerzy Grotowski's Polish Theatre Lab and Objective Drama. The company’s original work has included main-stage productions of an adaptation of Macbeth, Song of Songs, Jeanne The Maid: A Trial And Ex*****on Of Jeanne D'Arc, and 2004's highly acclaimed Dream of a Ridiculous Man -- which was remounted for the 2005 national Theatre Communications Group conference and was also the subject of a feature article in the winter 2006 issue of The Stage (Moscow, Russia). Our original, devised experiment in Theatre of Polyphony, Pomegranate & Ash, debuted at On the Boards in February 2015. The 2006 adaptation of Seneca’s Oedipus and 2014 production of Zhenya's original translation of Uncle Vanya were a critical and popular successes. The company also presented Week 2 of the World Premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 Days / 365 Plays. APL offers regular workshop opportunities in physical and vocal praxis. Artistic Associates: Annie Paladino, Emily Jo Testa, Margaretta Campagna, Matt Sherrill, Jennifer Crooks, Joseph Lavy, Sara Kaus, Tyler Polumsky, Zhenya Lavy. Junior Artistic Associate, Catherine Lavy.
