Event

A Staged Reading of Ibsen's "The Master Builder"

For its first production, the Against the Grain Theater Festival will produce a fully staged reading of Henrik Ibsen's "The Master Builder" at Silo City along Buffalo's waterfront. The production will be staged at three different locations on the Silo City site. As the play progresses, audience members and actors will move from stage to stage, following the action.

"The Master Builder" tells the story of Halvard Solness, an aging architect, and Hilda Wangel, a young woman who inspires him to build his crowning achievement.

Neil Wechsler, Against the Grain Theater Festival's Artistic Director, has adapted Ibsen's original text. The cast and crew are made up of talented people from Buffalo, Chicago, New York City, and Toronto. Accomplished local director and actor David Oliver will direct Wechsler's adaptation. The two teamed previously to create the acclaimed production of Ibsen's "Emperor and Galilean" at Torn Space Theater. Celebrated New York City designer Caleb Wertenbaker will design the sets.

"The Master Builder" will receive three productions August 1, 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Silo City is located at 100 Childs Street in Buffalo.

Marvin Carlson, one of the world's leading theater scholars, will give a brief talk on "The Master Builder" immediately following Sunday night's performance.