Forces of Nature
What shapes our genders: our parents, our surroundings, or ourselves? This unconventional adaptation updates Guillén de Castro’s 1610 comedia La fuerza de costumbre to question our society’s relationship with identity and toxic masculinity.
Forces of Nature is a modern adaptation of Guillén de Castro’s The Force of Habit. Set in an updated version of 17th-century Spain, this play tells the story of the fierce warrior Hipólita and her tender and artistic brother, Félix. When their arrogant and forceful father tries to change their gender performances, the siblings rebel. Will the father succeed in his plan to use love and honor to strong-arm them into the traditional woman and man he desires or will they show him what strength really means?
Forces of Nature will be a staged reading in English.
Dave is a director and adaptor of classic texts. His pro-wresting-inspired adaptation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas was selected a New York Times Critics’ Pick, and his playful adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical. His work has been seen in New York at The Bushwick Starr, Incubator Arts Project, PS 122, and The Duke on 42nd Street. Dave is an Associate Professor and Artistic Director at the University of Virginia Department of Drama where his recent productions include Love and Information, Lungs, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Love’s a Bitch, Blood Wedding and the Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Dave has a MFA in Directing from Columbia University and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
