Durning the first bombing raid of the next war, nine neighbors take shelter in a Brooklyn basement and must find a way to survive the night… and each other.
Now in postproduction as a feature film.
Find out all about Basement the film at SubterraneanCinema.com
Basement is a timely drama, dealing with our political climate and the contention that has become so big a part of our society in the past year. It is set in Brooklyn, NY, in a world overshadowed by fear. When the dreaded bombing really happens, a single father and daughter retreat to their basement shelter, and are faced with the choice of which neighbors to let into their safe haven. As the bombing gets closer, conflicts arise between the ethnically diverse occupants. When the building above is hit, the nine neighbors are trapped, and must work together to find a way out.
The first reading of Basement was in October of 2016, hosted by the ANDTheater Company. After a period of rewrites, some prompted by the societal shift of November 8, 2016, the play was produced as an Equity Showcase by ANDTheatre Company at Shelter Studios Theater 54 in November of 2017. It was directed by Joan Kane (member SDC) and played five performance to packed houses, crossing social and racial lines to speak to a broad audience.
What the critics said:
“Playwright Rosenbaum, inspired by the true stories of the Nazi bombing London during World War II, brings the same dread and will-to-survive to this updated scenario.” – LocalTheatreNY
“Not only is [Basement] strongly written with imagination and heart, but it provides a multi-ethnic look at a situation that has become more and more relevant in the past year.” – Kristine Niven, Artistic Co-Director ANDTheatre Company
“The play poses some fascinating ideas and conflicts, including our prejudices and the lack of willingness to embrace many of the people in our neighborhood beyond superficiality. Do we really know our neighbors? Are we prepared?” – Roger Gonzales
“The idea is terrifying, clearly engaging, and can go in many directions.” – LocalTheatreNY
