The Theater Project, a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for New Jersey artists, will present a live streaming ZOOM production of LABOR, a dark comedy by noted playwright TyLie Shider, in September. Part character study, part dark comedy, LABOR is the story of two Black working men, house painters John and Ryan. The play runs September 16-19 with live online performances, and September 23-26, at 7:30pm with live streaming.

For the older John, house painting is the final destination; for Ryan, it's a stop along the way to something better. We learn about their lives as they banter over the course of an average workday, painting the home office of a man who flips houses/rents apartments in gentrifying neighborhoods. They have obstacles ahead to getting paid: Ryan bought satin instead of flat finish paint, and by the end of the day, the boss has committed suicide on the floor above.

The play was made possible by a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts grant. “This is an outstanding milestone for everyone—actors, staff and our supporters—connected with The Theater Project,” said Founding Artistic Director Mark Spina.  “The fact that we have such a prominent playwright and we received an NEA grant to produce his work shows that our efforts throughout the years, and especially during the challenging times this past year, has made an impact in the community we serve.”

Gaining regional recognition for its ongoing projects during the pandemic—including its annual Young Playwrights Competition, ARK (Actors Reading with Kids) program and its recently launched “The Theater Project Thinks About” podcasts—The Theater Project was just one of 22 organizations in New Jersey receiving grants for the 2021 fiscal year. 

"As the country and the arts sector begin to imagine returning to a post-pandemic world, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to announce funding that will help arts organizations such as The Theater Project reengage fully with partners and audiences," said NEA Acting Chairman Ann Eilers.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students  and can be purchased by visiting LABOR by TyLie Shider - The Theater Project  Purchasers will receive a link one hour before the performance.

To improve the virtual experience, ‘LABOR’ will be using OBS-Zoom, which allows the production staff to provide sound effects and virtual backgrounds for the actors who will be performing in their ‘own space’ from home, thus enhancing the performance for viewers.

For further information and group pricing, contact info@TheTheaterProject.org or phone the box office, 908.809.8865.