Target Margin Theater has announced its 2026-2027 season, titled "Nonsense," which will feature the world premiere of PROJECT 251 directed by David Herskovits. The season centers on the exploration of the absurd and the illogical in performance, continuing the company’s long-standing focus on experimental theater. As a fixture of the Brooklyn arts scene, Target Margin intends to use this upcoming slate to challenge traditional narrative structures through a curated selection of productions that prioritize abstract storytelling.
The ‘Nonsense’ Season and PROJECT 251
The upcoming season is explicitly built around the theme of "Nonsense," a concept the company defines as a departure from linear, rational theatrical conventions. The anchor of this programming is PROJECT 251, a new play helmed by artistic director David Herskovits. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the company’s history suggests a focus on the intersection of language and visual abstraction.
Target Margin Theater, which has operated since 1991, frequently utilizes unconventional spaces and collaborative devising processes. By dedicating an entire season to the theme of nonsense, the company is following a trajectory similar to its previous deep dives into specific literary or historical canons. The season is designed to invite audiences to engage with theater that prioritizes sensory experience over traditional exposition.
Target Margin Theater’s Institutional History
Founded in 1991, Target Margin Theater has established itself as an incubator for avant-garde work in New York City. The organization is known for its "Lab" programs, which provide artists with the time and resources to develop new, experimental pieces. According to the company’s official mission, the goal is to bridge the gap between classical texts and contemporary performance through rigorous, often radical, reinterpretations.
The decision to focus on "Nonsense" for the 2026-2027 cycle aligns with the company’s established preference for works that disrupt audience expectations. In previous years, the company has tackled massive, multi-part projects, including comprehensive explorations of the works of Gertrude Stein and various iterations of classical Greek tragedy.
Why Experimental Programming Matters
The shift toward abstract or "nonsense" based theater is a recurring trend in the Off-Off-Broadway landscape, often serving as a response to the dominance of naturalistic, dialogue-heavy drama. By focusing on non-linear storytelling, Target Margin aims to:
- Deconstruct Language: Challenging the audience to find meaning in sound and movement rather than just scripted dialogue.
- Support Artist Development: Providing a platform for experimental directors and designers to test boundaries.
- Engage Diverse Perspectives: Utilizing a collaborative model that frequently involves a rotating ensemble of actors and creators.
For patrons of experimental theater, the 2026-2027 season represents a continued commitment to the "theatre of the absurd" tradition. The season is expected to influence the wider downtown New York theater scene by testing the limits of what a scripted production can achieve without relying on conventional plot resolutions. Further announcements regarding the full schedule and specific performance dates for the "Nonsense" season are expected to be released by the company in the coming months.
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