“Immigrants, we get the job done.” The now-famous line from Broadway’s Hamilton could also apply to INTAR, the scrappy and determined theater company that has creatively pivoted their programming during our existing pandemic.
Last Thursday, the Hispanic based troupe premiered their MicroTEATRO festival in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. With local community support and cooperation, INTAR produced six 10-minute plays within site-specific venues: Sonny’s 10th Avenue Meat Market, 52nd Street Project box office, P.A.L. Center, LeNoble Lumber Company, Housing Conservation Coordinators, and Epstein’s Paint Center. Audience members could choose to see 4 of the 6 plays with the intent of a return visit.
Only 4 people were allowed at each performance, but the limited capacity added intimacy to each of the stories, all of which centered on the continuous transformation of the district. Between breaks, ticket holders could park themselves at Ardesia Wine Bar on West 52nd street for a drink or light bites. This partner business offered discounts to playgoers. Shows run through Friday, June 25th.
Since 1966 INTAR theater has been amplifying Hispanic voices. In 1977, they were one of the first companies to inhabit a theater along the seedy porn strip of 42nd street. They currently produce works in their Hell’s Kitchen home under the guidance of Artistic director Lou Moreno.
In addition to MicroTEATRO, the company will stage Oso Fabuloso and the Bear Backs, an outdoor rock musical about the romantic travails of a queer Latino bear.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit https://www.intartheatre.org/
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