Rameau's Nephew

Spooky Action opens its 2016-2017 Season with Rameau's Nephew, a play that was too hot to put into print when it was written (1761-1776), and author Denis Diderot allowed it to circulate only in manuscript. Musician, maniac, madcap, mimic… and genius all in one, the destitute nephew of the famous Rameau trades witticisms with a logical Philosopher, deconstructing his perfectly rationalized and orderly world with wildly antic energy. The Nephew transforms into an entire cast of hilarious characters as he sets each scene of his argument. Laughably witty, wise and thought-provoking, this physical comedy is a delight for the eyes and the mind.
 
“Why Rameau? Because it makes me laugh,” says director Henrich, “and because it’s about genius. I laugh at Rameau the mimic, who can’t describe a character without slipping into his skin and exuberantly becoming him – or her. The play tickles me beyond all reason and makes me feel the demon genius of Rameau has slipped under my own skin as well.”
 
The production design team includes Giorgos Tsappas (set design), nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Set Design for Jarry Inside Out (a Spooky Action Production); Erik Teague (costume design), who also received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Last of the Whyos (another SAT production); Brittany Shemuga (lighting design); and David Crandall (sound design).
 
*Member Actors' Equity Association