Arguendo

by Elevator Repair Service

Panel Discussion Follows!

At 2pm, a free panel discussion follows shortly after the performance of Arguendo and features artists John Collins, Charlotte Ford, and Young Jean Lee. Moderated by Linda Caruso Haviland, director of Bryn Mawr’s dance program.

“I’ve had a recording of this oral argument for years and have always found it extremely entertaining and thought-provoking.” John Collins, director of Arguendo

“Elevator Repair Service, a beloved downtown stalwart… Show more whose collaborative shows often include found text, high technology, and a brainy, subversive sense of humor.” Jason Zinoman, The New York Times

An excerpt from a new work-in-progress.

Arguendo is a Latin word meaning for the sake of argument. It’s used by lawyers and judges in courtrooms as in, “Assuming, arguendo, that to be true . . . ”

New York City’s much heralded Elevator Repair Service turns its unique theatrical perspective on Barnes v. Glen Theatre, a 1991 First Amendment case brought by a group of naked go-go dancers. The justices debate whether erotic dancing is protected speech under the U.S. Constitution. Is dancing naked in a strip-club an exercise of artistic expression or a crime? Arguendo presents the justices and the advocates for the two sides as great minds—and average people, who possess both intellectual fire and light-hearted senses of humor. What emerges on stage is in turns absurd, hilarious, provocative, and intellectually compelling.

Recordings of Supreme Court cases can be heard at The Oyez Project.

Direction John Collins Video Design Ben Rubin Created and Performed by Elevator Repair Service

Elevator Repair Service is a New York City-based theater ensemble that was founded by director John Collins in 1991. The company has since created an extensive body of work built from a variety of sources that include found text, video, film, literature, and ensemble-generated choreography. Previous Live Arts Shows: The Select (The Sun Also Rises) (2010), GATZ (2007).

Arguendo was developed in part at New York Theatre Workshop and at Abrons Art Center. Performances of Arguendo are made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Arguendo is also supported with funds from The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Tony Randall Theatrical Fund, The Scherman Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, as well as many generous individual contributors.

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