![Dirt [contained] Theatre Company](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/547e9e6ce4b09257c91c5694/1539105633424-0RLLWXZKAGKAL9QJDWZ0/Dirt+Contained+Logo_blk-wht.png?format=750w)
What People Say
“A little knowledge helps one to appreciate just how ambitious and complex a project this is. (I'm told Ferdando Arrabal, now in his 80s, made a special trip to America to see Dirt [Contained] perform his play. Having seen this extraordinary cast, led by the at once nymph-like and ferocious Tana Sirois, I can see why.)... Theater of Cruelty is demanding (as the title suggests), but this is a profoundly rewarding production.”
- Victoria Ordin (Broadway World review of Garden of Delights
“[Easy Laughter is] over the top hilarious... worthy of this generation”
“Tana and Maria are two very talented performers with an exceptionally broad range, from naturalism to parody, from musical to physical theatre.”
“In a feat of rare, cerebral physicality by director Maria Swisher, the play travels through the cavern of an ex-industrial space in Queens, NY, with the audience called on to change their vantage point from time to time. An accompanying thematic exhibit covers the walls and spills into the action with the totemic sculptures and cotton clouds laced with LED lightning by designer Giannina Gutierrez, which share the space and serve as settings and props for the play. The cumulative avant-carnival feel lets you experience what was happening at modernist “happenings,” with zero pretension or Disney-Broadway cheese, though the author and re-imaginers have a wide eye for pop-culture references, a circus-like lack of self-importance, and authentic eagerness to please and entertain. “
- Review of Garden of Delights by Adam McGovern (HiiLo Brow)
“Easy Laughter has been staged many times over the years, but this New York revival is the best production I’ve ever seen.”
“The acting [in Easy Laughter] was simply brilliant. The intensity that the actors brought to their roles was palpable”
“Inventive and inspiring...The Last Eden is earnest and thought provoking”
"Since arriving at LIPA in 2008, [Swisher and Sirois] have consistently displayed an extraordinary work-ethic, and have each transformed themselves from raw, ambitious students to serious professionals in their chosen fields. They have shown remarkable acumen and dedication in creating their company, and between them possess the knowledge and skills to create and sustain a new theatre company that can offer a range of social benefits to Liverpool as well as original, high quality art.
- Max Rubin, AD of Lodestar Theatre Company
“Exploring the notion of man as a storytelling beast, [The Last Eden] cleverly interweaves live action, multi-media, lighting and bio-mechanical choreography. Theatre as it should be: raw and passionate.”
"The production of “Chairs” by Dirt [contained] was one of the most pleasant theatrical experiences I’ve had in a while. Their clear comprehension of the script, strong performances, and unique use of the space all added up to a show that still makes me think, even a year later. They’ve proven to me, and dozens of their peers along the way, that this production company is a force to be reckoned with. I am greatly looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future."
-Tobin Moss-Actor
“Beautifully created and well devised. A production company that bravely tackles the hard world of entertainment with enthusiasm.”
" I teach Acting to a class of adults, who are from a variety of backgrounds and whose ages range from 20’s-50’s. Maria and Tana skillfully led this diverse group and were sensitive to the range of abilities. They led a workshop that was fun, challenging, interesting, and imaginative. They were professional, friendly, supportive, and open throughout the session. I am very impressed by the fact that Maria and Tana are giving these opportunities, and grateful for the experience that they gave the class I teach."
- Esther Dix – Director, Rumour Theatre Co.