Eleven years ago, four graduates of a Theater Arts program embarked on a journey to introduce Los Angeles to “quality original theater.” Michael Vaez, Jimmie D. Hudson, Matthew Jones and David Fofi reconstructed the former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery, located in Downtown just off Main Street, turning it into a 45 seat theater which doubled as a housing unit for artists. They joined forces with a top notch team of cast and crew members, including Managing Artistic Director Don Cesario; they chose to name the theater Elephant off Main.
What’s in a Name?
The name was based on a conversation held between the American playwright Sam Shepard and director Jacques Levy in which Shepard was in doubt of his abilities to produce a certain scene. Jacques suggested that if Shepard wanted an elephant to appear on stage, he simply needed to add it to his script. The company would ultimately capture an audience that would soon grow to immense capacities, thus creating a love for theater at its finest.
Elephant Size Success
Within the first two years, the company proudly presented 9 productions, including LA weekly recommended Holding Cell (Fall 1996) and Drama Logue Critic’s Pick Princess and the Peon (Summer 1997). As audience turnout escalated and production needs increased, the Elephant’s founding members came to a decision to expand, thus relocating to Hollywood, California during the summer of 1997. Three of its original members elected to move on to engage in new endeavors while David Fofi and Don Cesario continued to expand, enlisting additional members and constructing new stages: Lillian Theater (99 seats), Elephant Lab (70 seats), and Elephant Space (99 seats). In its continuous effort to produce award winning independent theater throughout Los Angeles, The Elephant later opened the Elephant Asylum Theater (2003). Not only does the Asylum allow for the creation of notable playwright production, but generates opportunity for all things creative including artistic exhibits and recitals. It also provides a space to train aspiring artists, allowing them to learn via a hands on experience, as well as provide otherwise successful artists with a chance to enhance their abilities. The company also allows individuals the opportunity to co- produce productions within the Elephant company. Elephant crew members are also given the opportunity to assist outside companies as well. Those interested in such a position are urged to contact Elephant Stageworks (handles all business matters regarding the company) via email or telephone.
Fall 2009 Productions
Over a decade later, the Elephant continues to present Los Angeles with distinguished productions. It humbly boasts over its creation of more than 40 successful productions. Within the next two months, the Elephant will present five productions: Jitney (October 5- November 19), 24 Hour Rush (October15 and October 22), 7 Redneck Cheerleaders (August 4-October 21), Tape (October 27-November 19), and Eric Larue (October 20- November 19).
Nothing like an Elephant
Dr. Lyall Watson, writer and producer of Ethology themed works, wrote “If elephants didn’t exist you couldn’t invent one…there is nothing quite like an elephant.” The continued success of a play production company that stemmed from the minds of four men and grew too large for a 45 seat theater proves that an elephant can in fact be invented. A true original in it’s is own form, there is definitely nothing quite like The Elephant.
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Telephone (323) 962-0046
