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The Alcestiad
Summer 2021
Thornton Wilder's retelling of the Alcestis story is called "a play of questions." Performed at FDR Four Freedoms Park, in the shadow of the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital, this play asked timely questions about life during and beyond our current pandemic
Miracle in Rwanda
Spring 2019
This one-person play by Magis member Leslie Lewis retells the journey of how Immaculee Ilibagiza found the courage to survive the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people and even forgive the man who killed her family. It was chosen by the United Nations as the official cultural commemoration of the 25th anniversary.
Calderon's Two Dreams
Winter 2017
Called "a rare gem" by one writer, this Magis production presented BOTH versions of Calderon's play "Life is a Dream" back to back on the same evening. The Magis Company impressed critics as "joyously immersive," "unique," and "talented and energetic."
*mark
Spring 2014
Launching Magis Theatre's "Logos Project" this solo performance of the Gospel of Mark was part of La MaMa's Spring season, and was the first Magis production to travel, with two performances in Chicago! Author James Martin, SJ, called it "moving, creative, exciting, challenging, profound."
Occupy Olympus!
Summer 2013
Another critically acclaimed Magis adaptation of a classical gem, Aristophanes comedy "Plutus, god of Wealth," at the New York International Fringe Festival. The production was hailed as "theatrical greatness," "outstanding," and "fringe theatre at its best," and played to sold-out houses at this prestigious festival, and was featured by A.C. Lee of the New York Times
Her Name is Vincent
Fall 2009
Famed American poet Edna St.Vincent Millay continues to inspire reverance and rants with her epic language and life. The Magis team presented a cabaret about the ups and downs of the Millay Sisters and drew parallels to Vincent’s pastoral parable “Aria da Capo” about the dangers that split relationships, societies, and a world at war with itself.
SHAKUNTALA AND THE RING OF RECOGNITION
Winter 2010
This 5th century Sanskrit epic by Kalidasa has influenced the development of literature in the West and won hearts worldwide with this sense-absorbing tale of true love. This Magis adaptation and peformance won praise from both American and Indian press for its understanding of the original work and its accessibility to a contemporary audience.
The Witlings
Spring 2008
Frances Burney’s 1779 comedy “The Witlings” was too hot for its time. Never produced in its day, Magis gave this scathing satire of the “Enlightened” folk its first showing on a New York stage since it was written over two hundred years ago. Dealing with the foibles of status, wealth, and fashion, Burney asks why we are not Enlightened enough to live with compassion and integrity.
The Great Divorce
Winter 2007
Praised by the New York Times for its theatrical skill and daring, Magis Theatre Company’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s fantastical spiritual tale brought accolades from audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Created by an award-winning team that included composer Elizabeth Swados and puppet master Ralph Lee, “The Great Divorce” will most certainly remain in our repertoire and come back in the near future.
The Winter's Tale
Fall 2005
During the summer and fall of 2005, Magis was part of the "Play Outside!" Festival sponsored by the Shakespeare Project, bringing free theatre to hundreds of people in public parks throughout the New York City’s five boroughs. Our production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” introduced the city to the world of Magis and brought the public to our training space to see the play indoors.