(Courtesy of Black Box Theater) Black Box Performing Arts Center (BBPAC), Bergen County’s incubator for new and underproduced works by acclaimed writers, will begin 2022 with an encore of its regional premiere workshop production of “1+1” by Eric Bogosian, running through January 23.
This riveting three-hander, first developed at Powerhouse/NYSF in 2008 and then further developed at Black Box this past November, explores how a modern woman can still rise and fall at the whim of the men in her life.
“Though the piece seems to be about … one victim in particular, what I wanted to get at was a deeper examination of responsibility when two people share blame over bad actions,” said Bogosian, whose first time back in a theater after a year-and-a-half was for his own play at Black Box. “I totally support smaller companies, and if this helps them out, I’m all for it. And I’m very pleased to have actors doing my work. I love these characters and want to see them come to life.”
Bogosian is known for his six solo works produced Off-Broadway between 1980 and 2000 (three Obie awards, one Drama Desk) and his play “Talk Radio” (nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and for its 2007 revival, a Tony award), along with many other achievements.
In addition, Bogosian is the author of three novels as well as numerous plays produced outside New York City. He is also known for his work as an actor, seen in the television series “Law & Order,” “Billions” and “Succession.” In 2019, he played Arno in the film “Uncut Gems.”
Following “1+1,” BBPAC is scheduled to explore another underproduced play, “Ode to Joy,” courtesy of Craig Lucas, in February. A workshop of “The Cleopatra Club” by legendary filmmaker Paul Schrader takes the stage in March/April, and rounding out the spring season is the world premiere of “Walter Liked to Sit in His Big Backyard” by Matt Okin. The 2022 #SaveOurStage eason rolls out on the heels of BBPAC’s’ tackling of new works by Neil Labute, Caridad Svich and John Guare in late 2021.
Eric Bogosian’s “1+1” plays at the Black Box Performing Arts Center (49 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ, 07631) through January 23. Showtimes: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets, $35, visit www.blackboxpac.com. Box Office (hours vary):
(201) 569-2070.
