After holding several nonviolence revivals in the wake of Sept. 11, Obie winning, "Stop Shopping" street minister Reverend Billy continues preaching his message of peace in a new solo play, the birds are on fire, premiering June 9-23 at the Ontological Theatre at St. Marks. Actor Tony Torn ("Chasing Amy," Now that Communism Is Dead, My Life Feels Empty) and dancer Savitri Durkee direct. A dark comedy, the birds are on fire creates a conversation between an anarchist and a businessman, in which both men, who don't agree on much, are thinking of the same animal. Billy developed the play, originally titled What Is Peace?, from the post-September Peace Revivals.
Tickets are $10. The Ontological Theater at St. Marks is located at 131 East 10th Street. For further information, visit http://www.revbilly.com.
— By Christine Ehren