Theater - in a church

By Meredith Deliso

For Abby Browde and Michael Silverstone’s latest production, the two theatrical types wanted to work in the least theatrical-like setting possible. And lucky for them, they found it only a few blocks from where they live.

“This Time Tomorrow” is a site-specific performance in the basement of Duryea Presbyterian Church, a 105-year-old house of worship in Prospect Heights.

“There’s nothing theater-like about it — no lighting grid, no curtains. It’s just a big empty room, but for us, it felt like this would be a great place to make a play,” said Silverstone, who created and directs the piece with his wife, Browde. “We found there’s all this theatricality that’s hidden there, and that’s been really exciting — to be looking for where the theater exists in it.”

The piece itself was created through chance methods, blending choreographed material with live and unscripted events to make for a different performance each night.

“It’s like going to a rodeo or rock concert,” said Silverstone. “It’s something that’s never happened before.”

“This Time Tomorrow” at Duryea Presbyterian Church [362 Sterling Pl. at Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights, (718) 783-2451], now-Nov. 6 and Nov. 9-13 at 8 pm. Tickets $15. For info, visit www.this-time-tomorrow.com.

Photo by Stefano Giovannini