Katherine Orozco-Verderber’s dark dystopian drama with imprison the audiences once again! Three journalists are arrested for publishing documents that portray the government in a negative light. They are tortured and brainwashed into believing what the government tells them to.
If you are a fan of Orwell’s 1984, this play would be right up your alley.

Performance dates will be February 28th and March 2rd and 3rd in the Blue Room in Sam Fore Hall at the Texas A&M Univ – Kingsville campus.

Teaser is available here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD3ylaqzF1Q&t=2s

Cast and crew info:

Jones – MATTHEW KRUG

Sam – ANDREA LORIN

Claire – KATHERINE – OROZCO-VERDERBER*#

Abigail – AVA LAUREN GARZA

No Name – JULIO MARTINEZ*

Shepherd 1 – JUSTIN MINTER

Shepherd 2 – DAVID EARLEY

Shepherd 3 – JOSUE VILLARREAL

Shadow Sam – KATELYN HORNER

Shadow Claire – KYLIE MCINTOSH

Shadow Abigail – AMY ZIYAD

Written and Directed by Katherine Orozco-Verderber*#

Co-Direction – Michael Verderber*

Stage Manager – Robert Trujillo

Crew / Understudies –  Annette N. Otero Otero, and Brent Maldonado

*Denotes actor/actress trained at the Globe Theatre in London, England under Shakespearean acting specialist Chu Owambala.

#Denotes actress trained with the Broadway cast of The Lion King.

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Coastal Bend Theatre Guide Review by Micah Blain

REVIEW: Three Cells by Zero/Untitled Productions

What is it about the Zero/Untitled that I like so much? Let me list the ways: They are original, innovative, quirky, thought provoking, self-perpetuating, and above all that their drive to perform theatre is contagious. This independent troupe often has audience members asking how they can join in on the fun. Such was the case last night for the opening of their latest production “Three Cells” by Katherine Verderber. I have personally witnessed this happen with them after two other shows. Save for auditions to see who they can place in which show Z/U has almost no need to go out to recruit. People just come to them wanting to be a part of the experience and not just watch it.
This particular work has the company’s signature style of immersive theatre bringing the audience into the story. Before you even step into the performance space actors are shattering the fourth wall by having every audience member submit to the rules of entering a prison. It’s an excellent touch considering the setting and theme of the story. Situated in a world of dystopian society led, as you might suspect, by authoritarian rule Katherine Verderber’s tale is timely. Though here in the real world our country was founded on the principle of questioning authority, Verderber’s play takes a look at what could happen if freedom is relinquished for the sake of security and what happens when somebody does take the chance to question the status quo.
Zero/Untitled Productions is based out of Kingsville and has performed in Boston, New York City, and London. Of course, when a space is made available to them they bring their productions to Corpus, which we hope will happen with this show. At the moment you have only one more time to catch this run. It is a testament to their popularity that a third show was booked out for a private party. Tomorrow night they perform at Fore Hall at TAMUK in Blue Room at Fore Hall so you want to make the effort to get to Kingsville. And you will want to get there early to get the premium seats.
Verderber herself does double duty and stars as one of the leads five leads. She is joined by the talented Andrea Martinez and Ava Lauren Garza as prisoners in this tale. Watching these three ladies is a joy especially when you get the up-close immersion experience. Opposite them are their two keepers Julio Martinez and Mathew Krug who manage the difficult task of pulling both spite and empathy from the audience.
“It’s been a long process,”, says director Michael Verderber “but it’s fun bringing it back.” He is referring to having to shelve the production from last season due to series of unexpected obstacles. Talking to him at the beginning of rehearsals we discussed the advantages of being able to rework the show and introduce new concepts. This current incarnation is an exciting one. As he and his wife ramped up the intensity and atmosphere they were able to ultimately include audience participation. Observers even get to vote on the ending. (I would encourage anyone attending to go for the unhappy ending.)
Watching Zero/Untitled productions is thrilling when you take into account this company of players are putting these good quality shows together on a shoestring budget. Every time I see one I wonder what they would be able to do if they had a regular backing and sponsorship. The possibilities are endless. This is show timely, fun, and thought provoking. I recommend you go and see it while you can.

~Micah

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