Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

The IRC's mission is to present and preserve classic and lesser-known works from a collection of authors whose plays share certain basic traits; a group loosely-defined as the "Theater of the Absurd" and includes authors Eugène Ionesco, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Edward Albee among others. The IRC seeks to present works that excite and engage audiences through high-quality highly-physical productions, shared in an intimate setting, that impact audiences by exteriorizing existential anxiety. We seek to achieve this by defining characters through objects and their surroundings, by treating the stage setting, sound and lighting design as equal "characters" in the storytelling process, and by selecting works that highlight language and man’s struggle to communicate. We seek to present interpretations of classic absurdist works that preserve the author's language and intent, and to excavate seldom-produced gems with the aim of intriguing and educating modern theater-going audiences and new generations of theater enthusiasts.  Special emphasis will be on works incorporating physical comedy, clowning, vaudeville and music hall elements.  The IRC seeks to provide artistic opportunities to actors, directors and designers interested in exploring their craft through this uniquely theatrical form.