IBP Announces The Departure Of Artistic Director Tony Barilla
Date 2007/1/25 15:30:00 | Topic: Local News
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January 2007
Anthony Barilla, artistic director of Infernal Bridegroom Productions, has announced that he will be leaving the organization at the end of April, 2007. Barilla will be moving to Kosovo to join his wife, Emily Patterson, who works as a Human Rights Officer for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. They will be based in Mitrovica, a town still struggling with ethnic tensions between nationalist extremists on both sides of the conflict. Patterson has been based in Mitrovica since August of 2006. Barilla joined IBP in 1998 as associate director/production manager, and was promoted to artistic director in 2003 following the departure of IBP’s founding artistic director, Jason Nodler...
During his tenure as artistic director he has spearheaded residencies with prestigious artists such as Daniel Johnston and Lisa D’Amour. He has served as director, sound designer, composer, musical director, arranger, production manager, stage manager and/or musician for over 35 IBP productions.
"Being a member of the IBP company has been the single most challenging, inspiring and fulfilling experience of my life - both artistically and personally,†states Barilla. “Leaving the artistic freedom of IBP will be almost as difficult as leaving the best friends that I have made in the company. But the beauty of this company is that it continues to inspire all of its members to abandon their safety nets. IBP has inspired me to embrace new challenges as a writer and composer, and I know firsthand that the vision and commitment of the current company will lead it to new artistic heights."
Board president Chet Farmer says, "Tony has been an integral part of Infernal Bridegroom for many years now, from well before he took over as Artistic Director, so his absence will be keenly felt. His talent and dedication helped to make IBP what we've become, and we're obviously very sorry to see him go. We wish him well on his next phase as we embark on ours, and hope there will be opportunities for us to work together again.â€
“Tony has been the backbone of IBP – it’s very hard to watch him leave,†adds managing director Lisa Haymes. “His passion and dedication have had an enormous impact on both the company and the theatre community. When he leaves we will miss not only a rare talent, but a friend as well.â€
A national search for a new Artistic Director has already commenced. The company will be accepting applications through April 1, and expect to announce the new artistic director in early summer. IBP company member Tamarie Cooper has agreed to serve as interim artistic director until the new artistic director starts work.
Questions may be directed to Lisa Haymes, Managing Director, at 713.522.8443 or nospamlhaymes@infernalbridegroom.com. Inquiries regarding the position should be submitted to Artistic Director Search, Infernal Bridegroom Productions, PO Box 131004, Houston, TX 77219-1004.
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