Celeb & Ent

45 Years of Rock ’n’ Roll Theater at St. Ann’s Warehouse

In a striking theatrical adaptation, Willem Dafoe and Ari Fliakos brought life to the Wooster Group’s production of “To You, the Birdie!” at St. Ann’s Warehouse in 2002. This innovative piece reinterprets Racine’s classic tragedy “Phèdre,” infusing it with the Wooster Group’s signature avant-garde style, which often blends multimedia elements with traditional performance. The company, known for its experimental approach, utilized a combination of video projections, fragmented dialogue, and unconventional staging to create a unique experience that challenged audiences’ perceptions of both the original text and contemporary theater.

Dafoe’s portrayal of Phèdre’s tormented psyche showcased his remarkable ability to convey deep emotional complexity, while Fliakos provided a compelling counterpoint as the character of Hippolytus. The production’s use of space and technology—such as live video feeds and dynamic lighting—served to heighten the emotional stakes of the narrative, allowing the audience to engage with the characters’ turmoil in an immersive way. The Wooster Group’s adaptation not only honored Racine’s themes of desire and jealousy but also reflected modern sensibilities, making the classic tale accessible and relevant to contemporary viewers.

Critics praised “To You, the Birdie!” for its bold reimagining of a well-known work, emphasizing how the Wooster Group’s unique style brought a fresh perspective to the tragic story. The production’s blend of high drama with experimental techniques exemplified how theater can evolve, pushing boundaries while still resonating with the timeless human experiences of love and loss. This adaptation remains a significant example of how classic literature can be transformed through innovative performance, inviting new interpretations and discussions about the nature of tragedy in both historical and modern contexts.