March 2 – March 14
Epic Theatre Ensemble presented the third edition of its three-week Youth Theatre Festival: Epic YTF. Epic YTF was a celebration of a diverse and inclusive community, fighting for social justice and equality. The festival showcased original performances by students from the award-winning after-school program Epic REMIX.
This year, Epic YTF took place from March 2 to March 14 at the emblematic National Black Theatre (2031 5th Avenue, at 125th Street in Harlem) and presented “remixed” versions of three Shakespeare classics: Measure for Measure, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet. In all, the three separate productions featured the writing of over 170 young people, and brought the work of these high school students and 20 professional artists/mentors to the stage in professionally authentic performances. Every Epic YTF performance was open and free to the public and was envisioned as a community-building event.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream REMIX
It’s 1969 and New York City is in the middle of a cultural revolution. Civil rights groups clash with police and politicians, an amateur troupe of actors prepare for their big break, and star-crossed lovers escape to a magical world of mischievous fairies in this hilarious and heart-filled adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Romeo and Juliet REMIX
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Measure for Measure REMIX
“Did I tell this, who would believe me?” ask the women of this Remix of Shakespeare’s MEASURE FOR MEASURE – set in the midst of the #metoo movement. Inspired by the women who stepped forward to expose Harvey Weinstein, this timely, hilarious and powerful adaptation combines Shakespeare’s words with student writing and music – directed and designed by Epic’s professional artists.
Interview: What is Epic YTF (Part 1)
Epic YTF is supported in part by
About Epic REMIX
Epic REMIX is a youth development program at three NYC Public High Schools in Lower Manhattan, Harlem, and the Bronx culminating in students performing alongside professional theatre artists in fully produced Shakespeare productions. Epic NEXT students accomplish a great feat, they debate the social and political questions of the play, decode the meaning of Shakespeare’s text, and weave their writing into the fabric of the script.
About Epic Theatre Ensemble
Epic Theatre Ensemble is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of artists and activists dedicated to making bold theatrical work on professional stages and in public schools that inspires dialogue about social, ethical, and political issues. Epic builds thoughtful citizenship in communities throughout NYC, modeling creative engagement with civic issues by commissioning, developing and producing socially-minded theatre and connecting these plays to schools and neighborhoods via innovative in-school, after-school, and public performance programs.
Epic accomplish this mission by inspiring students to be creative and engaged citizens, presenting compelling topics that transform the way people think, and collaborating with artists, students, and thought leaders to produce plays about critical issues