Overview

Theater Reconstruction Ensemble (2010–2018) was a collective of theater artists who aimed to reconstruct both classical and canonical forms of theatricality through the playful development of works over time. Committed to a collaborative approach to theater making, TRE functioned as a project-based ensemble of artists working under the artistic leadership of director John Kurzynowski, collectively examining each element of a theatrical text or tradition and creating new works that reflected the ensemble’s personal connection to the materiel being explored. Founded in 2010 by director and theater maker John Kurzynowski and sound designer Kate Marvin, TRE continually expanded upon a unique process of creative collaboration that engaged its members in highly instinctual and intuitive modes of development. This process led to the creation of each of the company's mainstage works, and inspired other interdisciplinary artists through training and developmental programs. For each reconstruction, an ensemble was formed based on the specific demands of the material or the particular goals of the project. Over its eight years in operation, TRE presented nine productions featuring dozens of emerging and established artists from across the downtown theater community, and engaged thousands of audience members throughout New York.