New York Theatre Workshops - Two new plays

The New York Theatre Workshop, under artistic director James C. Nicola, have announced two new plays in its 2015 Winter season at their off-Broadway venue.

The first will be the world premiere of Fondly, Collette Richland by Sibyl Kempson performed by the NYTW's Company-in-Residence Elevator Repair Service.

Directed by John Collins, with original compositions played live by Mike Iveson, the drama follows Mr. and Mrs. "Fritz" Fitzhubert as they sit at home in a wintry town in everyday America when they are summoned through a wee little secret door in their living room. On the other side, they find themselves in an Alpen hotel populated by mysterious employees, guests and relatives who coax them into souvenir shopping, perilous hikes and, ultimately, the assumption of ancient identities. When eventually they return home from this phantasmagorical world, they find their lives forever altered.

The second will be the world premiere of Lazarus by David Bowie and Edna Walsh, directed by Ivo van Hove. Inspired by the 1963 novel 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' by Walter Tevis, the drama will feature songs specially composed by Mr. Bowie for this production as well as new arrangements of previously recorded songs.

The play centres on the character of Thomas Newton, famously portrayed by Mr. Bowie in the 1976 screen adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg.

Full dates, creative and casting details are yet to be announced.

- by Dom O'Hanlon