Collective: Unconscious Closing; UndergroundZero Lives On

Collective: Unconscious, the lower Manhattan group dedicate to experimental and alternative theatre, will close its doors for good when the lease on its Tribeca home expires on July 31. According to a press release, "The decision comes on the heels of a massive plumbing problem that has rendered its lower level 'lobby' and backstage storage areas unusable."

According to the company, the mission of Collective: Unconscious has been "to foster an inclusive, creative community in Lower Manhattan that serves as an incubator and launching pad for emerging artists. Founded in 1995 by a group of multi-disciplined artists, Collective: Unconscious was conceived both to perform unique experimental theatre and to administer a space that would serve as a community resource and laboratory for the performing arts."

As Gothamist notes:

Four years after gentrification forced them to relocate from their longtime space on Ludlow Street to Tribeca, Collective: Unconscious, a hotbed for experimental theater and art, will close for good. The funky little theater was adept at connecting broke performers with broke audiences and letting the sparks fly with minimal risk...

And in retrospect, Tribeca might not have been the best place to turn for affordable rent.

The plumbing issue has also forced much of the previously announced UndergroundZero Festival to seek new venues, including neighbors The Flea and Manhattan Children's Theatre, as well as Grace Bar & Restaurant.

UndergroundZero, now in its second year, will present over a dozen works by both established and emerging artists. Curated by Paul Bargetto, artistic director of East River Commedia, the festival is designed to feature successful works that, rather than being limited to brief runs, could be incorporated into a rotating repertory company, thus extending their theatrical lives and exposing them to a broader audience. The 2008 festival runs July 8-Aug. 2.

For more information about Collective: Unconscious, including the full 2008 UndergroundZero Festival schedule, visit the website.

-- Daniel Lehman