The Triangle Project, an original work at the New York University Program in Educational Theater Black Box Theatre is a production not to be missed! Nimbly directed by Dr. Nan Smithner and crafted by a creative cast, the play was a combination of storytelling, acting, physical theater, music, song and environmental theater. Rather than create a docudrama about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which erupted on the corner of Washington Place
Ironically, it was the premature arrival of snow on Saturday evening that forced the opening act to be held inside; however, the change of venue did not detract from the show’s directive: audience members were divided into groups and we “traveled” the timeline with our character hosts, introducing us to people, places, problems, and predicaments. Rotating from one theatrical locale to the next allowed each audience member to be intimately invested with each new introduction – hearing their personal dilemmas and delights as immigrants who came to America
The arc of the plot delivered: the second and third acts carefully cut the pattern, seamlessly unfolding what we all knew would end tragically and yet, hoped all throughout the action that some how, some way, it wouldn’t. Subtle details were delicately dropped by each character: the butcher who was a fireman, the wedding proposal, the large ring of keys jostled by a menacing supervisor, a lit cigar, untended piles of fabric scraps – all carefully woven only to come crashing down on its victims, simultaneously crushing the audience’s sensibilities to tears.
How could this have happened?
Indeed. The play echoed 9-11 sentiments, the Occupy Wall Street America
Heartfelt congratulations to the cast and crew! You make us all proud!
The show will run November 3 – 5, 2001 at 8 PM. For tickets, contact NYU Ticket Central at www.nyu.edu/ticketcentral/calendar, 212.352.3101, or in person at
What was your reaction to the show?