Theatrum Elysium

I cannot say enough great things about Theatrum Elysium. The company is putting on theatre unlike anything else in the area. They take chances, have fun, and embrace the conventions that lured me into loving this wonderful art in the first place. Sitting in the audience for their production of Joan of Arc unaware of what i was in for and being taken for a ride was cathartic at the time. I knew right then and there that something special was happening here and that I had to do everything possible to make sure that this company thrives and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in such an intimate space. This company knows what they believe in and has a lot of passion and anyone who takes a chance on them like I did will certainly be left wanting more. No, «want» doesn’t quite do justice to what this company does to you. Like myself, you will walk in not knowing that you wanted it but soon enough you will concede that you *need* it. And no doubt, I am confident that Theatrum Elysium will welcome you and will never fail to give it to you.

«What I love about this theater is the unconventional and daring approach to their productions.» This is what the reviewer Caitlin said about TESPR and she hit the nail on the head.
I really did not know what to expect when I saw Hamlet. The production runs for approximately three hours so be prepared. It helps if you know the basics about Hamlet. I read the book several years ago and I saw Kenneth Branagh’s movie version. Even though I am a Brit, I am not an expert on Shakespeare, I attend Shakespeare by the Sea, and I listen to the five hundred year old dialogue and bumble along. I have seen the experts, who mouth the words as they watch.
The actors are barefoot, they wear torn, raggedy clothing, they sit amongst the audience on stools, they occasionally look at you when they talk. There are no walls, just fancy, torn cloth that act as a barrier between scenes. You can see the actors walking behind them. Props are attached to the wall. Swords, face masks, goblet, picture frames, chains etc. The acting is good, especially the actors who played Polonius and Hamlet.
What I saw was the most intense production of Hamlet. I was breathless at one point and was grateful for the intermission. Members of the audience were staring, with their mouths wide open.
This production is not conventional and it might p*ss off the purists, but it was so raw and intense.
I will look out for their next production.

TE San Pedro Rep puts on a stellar performance. Anyone who has ever seen Hamlet should go and see this version. Anyone who has not seen Hamlet live, & on stage, — try and get to this cute & intimate venue for a thoroughly enjoyable evening out. It’s on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (twice on Sat.), — but not for long. So get down there quick and see Hamlet performed as it should be, boldly & with great imagination. You will not be disappointed.

Great place to play and push yourself! Would definitely work for them again.

Many actors can feel lost wondering the streets of LA. That was certainly my situation when I graduated from school. For a short time, TE took me in and gave an education and an experience of a lifetime. Aaron Ganz, TE’s artistic director, lead us through an adventure that included swordplay, voice work, viewpoints, mask work, dance and scene work. The work was grueling, bloody, sweaty and very much worth it. Working with Ganz was a trust fall exercise. Part of you is scared to death, «will any of this work?» And part of you is excited to the core, «wow, this play, these people, this audience, this experience is amazing.» His ideas are bold, full of passion and risky. And if you let go, he’ll catch you every time.
So, go. See one of their shows. Listen to their actors. Be provoked. It may not be your cup of tea. But it may also change the way you see and hear things. At the very least, you won’t be bored. TE is a group of artists that are not afraid to take risks. 3, 2, 1 RISK! And there is always something in the fabric.

I discovered Theatrum when they were putting on Cymbeline, and I have to say that I was blown away with the immersive experience and the expression of a full range of emotion. The swordplay was amazing! The dance was masterful!
I’ve seen other theaters’ productions of Cymbeline and none other has come close to the heart and soul that Theatrum put into this show.

What I love about this theater is the unconventional and daring approach to their productions. The set is completely immersive as the show takes the audiences out of their seats and literally moves them through the story and become part of the adventure. For Cymbeline, they took the audience outside and suddenly are standing on the outskirts of a battlefield where people are fighting with swords, where the defeated dead lay by your feet and the ragged victors wearily survey their triumph. You can see the love and commitment the actors, director, and crew put into the show.
The last show TE put on was The Underpants and one can witness the sincere fun the actors are having on stage as they performed the witty comedy by Steve Martin. The audience is placed in the living room of the characters mere inches from the hilarious calamity that ensues. It was a joy to watch, everyone is very talented and brought a particular flare to the production.
I’m excited to see the new place and what they do to create the world of their next production! Partake and live in the adventure as the actors do!