A&E Insight: A Look at Elden Street Players

As rehearsals begin for Elden Street Player's latest production "," the elements that have come to define the theater are all falling into place.

Controversial subject matter, dark themes, and a passionate and fiercely independent approach to local theater have distinguished ESP as a force in the Washington D.C. area for over 20 years.

What separates ESP from the pack is a consistent and unwavering dedication to quality plays and the actor's craft. Productions like "True West" and "Doubt" have garnered critical acclaim for the group and contributed to an ever growing reputation as one of the best theater experiences in the area.

The Industrial Strength Theatre is the perfect stage for these types of productions. Known as a "black box" theater it is a small, square performance space with black walls and no discernable stage.

The layout of these theaters, which began to flourish in the 1960's and 1970's, eliminates the option for elaborate set designs and allows the actors to thrive as the driving force of the production. Here they're able to really feed off the intimacy and energy of the audience.

Earlier this year the Washington Post profiled Elden Street Players and founder Les Zidel. In the article Zidel explained how his goal from the start was to push the boundaries and present challenging theater to the area.

"We wanted to try more experimental work," Zidel said. "We didn't want to be just another community theater that was doing 'Hello Dolly.' We wanted to do serious drama, and started doing plays that no one around had ever attempted."

Indeed. Some of the productions ESP went on to perform include "Night of the Iguana" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," as well as pieces by noted daring playwrights David Rabe, Sam Shepard and David Mamet. Even unconventional plays like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "The Who's Tommy" have contributed to Elden Street Player's success

That success can also be attributed to the synergy that exists among the cast and crew of its productions. When "Frozen" premiers in January, the players involved will all bring experience with ESP to the stage.

Director Carla Scopeletis has worked on both sides of the curtain, and has acted in ESP productions including "Three Tall Women," "A Delicate Balance" and "Hedda Gabler." Actors Adam Downs and Rebecca Lenehan have also performed in past ESP plays.

"Frozen" is set to debut at the Industrial Strength Theater January 28 and run through February 11. Call 703-481-5930 for ticket information or visit the Elden Street Player's website.