Media at Large, in connection with Amas Musical Theater, announced last week that they have obtained the rights for an NYC workshop and production of the Tennessee Williams' play In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel.

The NYC production will star actor Shashi Balooja, and choreographer Maria Torres, will partner as the Creative Director.

Updates will be posted as soon as they become available.

The First Rehearsal

This past Friday was the first day of rehearsals for In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel. The cast gathered in New York City for a photo shoot and table read. Momentum was high and all involved were ready to begin production. Check out the photos page to see pictures from Friday's rehearsal. We will be updating the photos page frequently throughout the plays run.

Photo By Andrew Porter

Tennessee Williams first presented In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel at the Eastside Playhouse in New York City on May 11, 1969. Only three months later, Williams was hospitalized for a nervous breakdown.

Four decades later, In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel will come to life once again. Media at Large — in association with HITFest (Hamptons Independent Theater Festival), Amas Musical Theatre, and choreographer Maria Torres who is Creative Director, are currently launching a new workshop production that will premiere at The Bridge Theater in Bridgehampton, NY this April for two weeks of performances that will set the stage for it's New York City return.

Artistic Director and HITFest co-founder Joshua Perl describes the play as an obscure, experimental piece written late in Williams' career. "The play centers around Mark, played by Shashi Balooja, an alcoholic painter on the verge of a nervous breakdown who is trying to re-invigorate his career through a new style of painting. As he slides deeper into his psychosis, he is convinced that he is the first artist to discover color and spreads canvases on the floor, spraying them with paint and rolling around on them in the nude," said Perl.

Perl said that through a backdrop of curious sound, abstract imagery, and vivid movement choreographed by Torres, the troubled artist's creative process of discovery will literally come to life.

"Tokyo is a tale of love, loss, pain and the beauty discovered in pursuit of the truth. It is easy to be blinded by Mr. Williams massive commercial successes and miss the urgency and passion Tokyo possesses. It is probably his most honest work. Less seen than his classics, our Tokyo will astonish you with our approach. Using movement and images, both still and moving, we will create the magic Mr. Williams intended for this piece to possess. The canvasses of Mark, the painter who stands in for Mr. WiIliams, will be brought to life and his inner struggle will play out in dynamic and sensual choreography. The audience will be taken on an unforgettable journey," said Balooja.

Media at Large is an established boutique production company specializing in new media as as well as developing, producing, and supporting independent film and theater projects such as the award-winning Ariana, And Then Came Love, starring Vanessa Williams, Shakespeare's A Mid-Summer Night's Dream and the award winning suspense thriller Exposed, to be released in March.

A Kickstarter campaign is underway for more information about the production and to show your support by contributing to this exciting event. The fundraising goal is just $12,000. All donations are greatly appreciated and every dollar increases the possibility of making this extraordinary piece available to your community.

Depending on the level of contribution, generous sponsors have donated some exciting gifts such as VIP event tickets, gift bags, dinners, and more. All of which are listed on the Kickstarter site, and all contributions are tax deductible.

"Please help us to bring this project to fruition. Join us on the journey from our black box theater in Bridgehampton to the main stages of New York City. Please support us. It is a about love and passion at this point," said Balooja.

If you can't contribute you can show your support by forwarding the email to interested parties, or posting the link to the Kickstarter campaign on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media site.