This Weekend Final Chance To See LAB Theater's 'Fire Thief' On Stage

TAMPA, FL — Audiences are heaping praise on The LAB Theater Project‘s latest production, "Fire Thief" by Laura Hirshberg.

Based on a Greek myth, this new drama explores the path of the titan Prometheus as he sacrifices his place on Mt. Olympus to bring fire to mankind. The story illuminates the joy and pain that inspiration and creativity can bring to creators and to those around them.

“You want to see this show,“ said MaryKay Cyrus “The acting is exceptional. You don’t need to be into Greek mythology to be enthralled by this amazing story.“

New York-based playwright, director and stage manager Hirshberg has had plays produced and
workshopped at Off-Broadway theaters around the city as well as at Harvard University.

"Fire Thief" is directed by LAB Theater Project founder and executive producer Owen Robertson and features local actors Christopher Rushing, Jakob Nordstrom, Brooke West and Maurice Parker.

The set design is by Robertson, costumes by Lindsay Ellis, sound by Richard Anthony, lighting by Wayne Linderman, props by Mary Kay Cyrus and Cass Hardy is the lead scenic artist.

“This show made me think of life, creativity and morality,“ said Emma Hurlburt “It is so unique and clever. One of my favorite scripts I have ever seen at LAB.“

“When I first read 'Fire Thief,' I found the story engaging and the concept new," said Robertson. "Exploring what it was like for Prometheus to take the fire of the gods and give it to humanity was an exciting starting point. And then came examining the relationship between the two brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, and what happens when a desire to do good leads to betrayal. Hirschberg takes the audience on a journey through complicated relationships against the backdrop of mythology. Playing with Titans — what director wouldn’t want this opportunity?

“I also love the use of contemporary language by Hirschberg; it provides a connection for the audience that keeps the story grounded and real without being caught in the gravitas of the subject matter," Robertson said.

To the gods, fire is critical for creativity and invention, and over eons brothers Prometheus and
Epimetheus use it to surround mankind with new flora and fauna, machinery and inventions, and art, music, literature and philosophy. But Prometheus steals the fire of the gods and gives it to mankind. As the flame of inspiration spreads, there are consequences — in the Hall of the Gods and on the Earth below.

Exiled from his home and pursued by gods and monsters, Prometheus weaves his way through human history, cultivating art and invention. But over centuries, Prometheus begins to realize the cost of creation, the risks of inspiration and what must be sacrificed for the sake of progress.

Hirshberg, who was inspired by the Greek mythology she grew up reading, said she chose Prometheus as her first adaptation because, “At its core, the Prometheus story is about inspiration, creativity and sacrifice, as well as possibility and hope. Writing this play gave me a chance to explore what is painful about making art but also to consider why we keep creating and inventing despite that pain.”

“Ultimately, this play is a relationship play about friendship, brotherhood, love and loyalty," said Robertson. "It explores what the cost of being a creator is and that sometimes those closest to us are the ones doomed to torment us with our success and failure.”

"Fire Thief" closes this weekend, May 18-21. LAB Theater Project, 812 E. Henderson Ave, is on the western edge of Ybor City. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Videotaped performances will also be available on demand through May 28. Audience members who purchase on-demand tickets will be emailed a link to the video site.

Tickets are $31 online and $35 at the door and are available through LAB’s website.

LAB Theater Project is a nonprofit 501(c)3 production company that produces new works in the Tampa Bay community. The belief in a “playwright first” focus is a core value of the company.