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THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT

written by Rainer Werner Fassbinder

translated by David Tushingham

new text by Benjamin Viertel and Olivia O'Connor

directed by Benjamin Viertel

dramaturgy by Olivia O'Connor

produced by Third Space

with Caroline Gombé, Alexandra Spieth, Betsey Brown, Mariana Parma, Jody Doo, and Lenore Harris

scenic design by Bryce Cutler

costume design by Emily Chalmers

lighting design by Mary Ellen Stebbins

sound design by Almeda Beynon

stage managed by 

photography by Bryce Cutler

The New Ohio Theatre

2017

PRESS

"A fascinating rococo experiment in power...Viertel is adding a new fifth act, with songs drawn from cast interviews and essays. So it’s more than appropriate that it’s being put on by Third Space, a young company in a city that has always struggled to support its young companies. One wonders now what the theatrical landscape will look like in a world—taking the Fassbinder view—where art might be the first thing to go, along with love.

-Hilton Als [The New Yorker]

"Exuberant staging...blurs the line between the reality of the play and the reality we live in...Third Space has surely created something that will stir up conversation and force the audience to leave with lingering questions. It’s a disturbing story that encourages discussion on gender roles and reflects a lot of our society’s dormant issues.”

-Ran Xia [Theatre Is Easy]

“Gorgeous production...high-octane physical comedy and caterwauling abounds...Scenic Designer Bryce Cutler and Costume Designer Emily Chalmers do some dazzling work here, creating a shimmering and gaudy atmosphere befitting Petra’s flamboyant personality. Her living room and clothes are an orgiastic disco nightmare that make the tiny New Ohio Theatre look sprawling...Transformative design”

-Eric J Grimm [Theater Pizzazz]

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