Theaters team up for ‘Poe Fest’

Edgar Allen Poe was a writer ahead of his time. It’s been more than 100 years since his birth, but his work still resonates with many people.

Blackout Theatre Company and Duke City Repertory Theatre are teaming up for a monthlong festival called “Poe Fest.”

Events include pub quizzes – called Po(e)p Quiz – Mask of the Red Death Masquerade Ball and “The Poe Project: Merely This and Nothing More” from Blackout and “Poe” from DCRT.

	Online For more information on all events, visit www.dukecity.wix.com/poefestival

“We have always wanted to collaborate with another company in town,” says Barney Lopez, spokesman for Blackout. “We thought what better way to get people involved and have our theater fans cross paths and get to know other theater companies in town.”

“Poe” kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at The Filling Station.

Lauren Myers, a member of DCRT, says “Poe” marks the third production in the company’s winter classic series.

It will be performed by a cast of six actors, which includes Amelia Ampuero, Frank Green, Myers, Katie Becker, Ezra Colon and Stephanie Grilo.

“We wanted to get into the mind of Poe and revisit his best-known stories,” she says. “It was an opportunity for us to do something different. Poe is held in such high regard and I think there is a resurgence happening right now with his work.”

Myers says Poe’s work sparked an interest within the company because of his life.

“Poe made his living as a writer and it’s inspiring to us being in the arts,” she says. “He wasn’t seen as popular while he was alive, but a lot of his writing was ahead of its time.”

Lopez says “The Poe Project” is Blackout revisiting its play from a couple years ago. He says original play is inspired by Poe’s poems, tales and essays.

Blackout’s tale follows Dr. Valdemar Usher, a prolific scientist, lost in his dark experimentations. Dr. Usher is paid visit by an old friend, August Dupine, who brings along a new assistant, Rowena. Dupine hopes that the beautiful Rowena will help guide Usher back to sanity. Can love drag Dr. Usher out of his madness? Or will his scientific passion engulf all who surround him?

“It’s a fun play and got a great response when we did it a couple years ago,” Lopez says. “It’s going to be a fun event.”

“Poe” begins its run at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at The Filling Station, 1024 Fourth SW, and runs through Feb. 10. There are repeat performances from Feb. 14-17. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students, seniors and military, $5 for kids 5-17. They are available at www.dukecityrep.comor 797-7081.

“The Poe Project” runs from March 22-April 22 at the VSA North 4th Arts Center. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. They are available at www.blackouttheatre.comor 672-8648.

Jeff Andersen, a Blackout member, says in addition to the quizzes and plays, there also will be a night of music inspired by Poe’s work. The event is called “The Bells: A Night of Poe Inspired Music.” It will be held at Blackbird Buvette on Saturday, Feb. 9.

“We put the word out and a lot of musicians wanted to participate in this,” Andersen says. “We didn’t know exactly what reaction we’d get, but it turns out there are more people than we thought interested in Poe.”