La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Theatre company in Manhattan, United States
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club is a theatre company on the Lower East Side operating several performance spaces within a multi-story building on East 4th Street. The spaces are designed to accommodate different types of productions and various audience sizes.
Ellen Stewart founded this space in 1961 starting in a basement room where she initially combined fashion sales with evening performances. The project expanded and eventually relocated to its current building, becoming a home for experimental theatre.
The name reflects a philosophy centered on artistic experimentation and supporting artists from all backgrounds. Visitors encounter a mix of emerging and professional performers collaborating on unconventional productions.
The venue presents various productions year-round across several specially designed stages. Plan ahead by checking the current schedule, and arrive early to explore the different spaces and understand the layout.
In the early 1960s, performers relied on donations collected from the audience during shows for their pay. This grassroots funding method reflected the venue's commitment to supporting artists regardless of financial circumstances.
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