ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONS / PERFORMANCES / READINGS / EVENTS
A PHANTOM SONG (Film Festival Screening)
(July 20 & 21, 2024) — Maine International Film Festival, Waterville, Maine
A film by The Forty Hour Club
Our short documentary film, A PHANTOM SONG was an official selection of The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF). A Phantom Song follows a theatrical journey intertwining Captain Ahab's mysterious stowaway crew, a blues opera, and the Maine opiate crisis—symbolizing a quest for recovery and inclusion in the Capitol City of Augusta, ME.
Through a cast drawn from the recovery, reentry, and unhoused community, the film confronts stigma and biases, echoing the haunting atmosphere of Moby Dick andThe Blues to illuminate the intersection of past traumas and future hopes in the soul of a long-abandoned theater and its community.
(July 20 & 21, 2024) — Maine International Film Festival, Waterville, Maine
A film by The Forty Hour Club
Our short documentary film, A PHANTOM SONG was an official selection of The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF). A Phantom Song follows a theatrical journey intertwining Captain Ahab's mysterious stowaway crew, a blues opera, and the Maine opiate crisis—symbolizing a quest for recovery and inclusion in the Capitol City of Augusta, ME.
Through a cast drawn from the recovery, reentry, and unhoused community, the film confronts stigma and biases, echoing the haunting atmosphere of Moby Dick andThe Blues to illuminate the intersection of past traumas and future hopes in the soul of a long-abandoned theater and its community.
THE AHAB INSIDE ME—REDUX (Major Production)
(July 20 -23, 2023) — Colonial Theater, Augusta, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Joe John Battista
Assistant Director: Kristy Zornes Beauvais
This exciting blues/rock opera was further developed during a 5-week residency in a defunct, crumbling theater in Augusta, Maine, which served as the perfect backdrop for this fully-realized production about obsession, human rehabilitation, and environmental justice. More...
(July 20 -23, 2023) — Colonial Theater, Augusta, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Joe John Battista
Assistant Director: Kristy Zornes Beauvais
This exciting blues/rock opera was further developed during a 5-week residency in a defunct, crumbling theater in Augusta, Maine, which served as the perfect backdrop for this fully-realized production about obsession, human rehabilitation, and environmental justice. More...
THE AHAB INSIDE ME—A High-Seas Blues Opera (Major Production)
(September 2, 3, 4, 2022) — Colonial Theater, Augusta, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Joe John Battista
Provocative and challenging NEW recitative blues opera/musical theater production that explores the traumatic impact of a fatal overdose on a fishing family and the inspiring efforts of the community to address the destructive roots of addiction. The production garnered major press. More..
(September 2, 3, 4, 2022) — Colonial Theater, Augusta, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Joe John Battista
Provocative and challenging NEW recitative blues opera/musical theater production that explores the traumatic impact of a fatal overdose on a fishing family and the inspiring efforts of the community to address the destructive roots of addiction. The production garnered major press. More..
NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT—Fragments of a Blues Opera (Environmental Installation & Outdoor Performance)
(September 11 & 12 2021) — Rockland, Maine
Written and Directed by Michael Gorman
Using the power of live performance to address the opioid epidemic, this epic tale incorporated original live music and song (with full band), spoken word, and performance— to restore connections lost or frayed by the compound crises of the opiate epidemic and COVID. More...
(September 11 & 12 2021) — Rockland, Maine
Written and Directed by Michael Gorman
Using the power of live performance to address the opioid epidemic, this epic tale incorporated original live music and song (with full band), spoken word, and performance— to restore connections lost or frayed by the compound crises of the opiate epidemic and COVID. More...
GIVE UP THE SPEAR (Outdoor Performance)
(June 17, 2021) — Cove Street Arts, Portland, Maine
Written and Directed by Michael Gorman.
Playwright Michael Gorman and The Forty Hour Club presented a selection of songs and scenes from their upcoming production “Never Leaving this Boat”—(Fragments of a Blues Opera) outdoors at COVE STREET ARTS in Portland on June 17, 2021 More...
(June 17, 2021) — Cove Street Arts, Portland, Maine
Written and Directed by Michael Gorman.
Playwright Michael Gorman and The Forty Hour Club presented a selection of songs and scenes from their upcoming production “Never Leaving this Boat”—(Fragments of a Blues Opera) outdoors at COVE STREET ARTS in Portland on June 17, 2021 More...
BIFFING MUSSELS (Short Play, Outdoors)
(OCT 31, 2020) — Rockland, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman. Directed by Tara Elliott
Performed during the COVID pandemic (socially distanced, of course!), Michael Gorman's classic short absurd comedy was presented on the waterfront at The Steel House in Rockland, Maine. The play was a welcome respite from the social isolation and uncertainty that many of us were feeling at this time, and offered everyone a good opportunity to just...laugh. More...
(OCT 31, 2020) — Rockland, Maine
Written by Michael Gorman. Directed by Tara Elliott
Performed during the COVID pandemic (socially distanced, of course!), Michael Gorman's classic short absurd comedy was presented on the waterfront at The Steel House in Rockland, Maine. The play was a welcome respite from the social isolation and uncertainty that many of us were feeling at this time, and offered everyone a good opportunity to just...laugh. More...
IN AHAB'S HEAD—CHASING PHANTOMS (Community Performance & Outreach Event) )
(Nov 1, 2019) — Belfast, Maine
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
A performance in association with "What’s Art Got To Do With It?"— A 3-day conference on Art, Activism, and The Opioid Epidemic. Featuring R.A.W. Players (Restorative Art Works) & members of the Maine Coastal Regional Re-Entry Center/Restorative Justice Program. More...
(Nov 1, 2019) — Belfast, Maine
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
A performance in association with "What’s Art Got To Do With It?"— A 3-day conference on Art, Activism, and The Opioid Epidemic. Featuring R.A.W. Players (Restorative Art Works) & members of the Maine Coastal Regional Re-Entry Center/Restorative Justice Program. More...
THE HUNGRY GHOST (Community Performance & Outreach Event)
(April 1, 2019)
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
A community outreach event and performance/presentation at North Haven Community School & Waterman's Community Center. Island of North Haven, Maine. More...
(April 1, 2019)
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
A community outreach event and performance/presentation at North Haven Community School & Waterman's Community Center. Island of North Haven, Maine. More...
CHASING THE NEW WHITE WHALE (Major Production)
(November 24 - December 9, 2018)
Written & created by Michael Gorman / Directed by Arthur Adair
Mike Gorman's epic production uses Melville’s 19th-century monster as a metaphor for the modern plague of opioid addiction. The play premiered at The Ellen stewart Theatre at La MaMa in New York City. More...
(November 24 - December 9, 2018)
Written & created by Michael Gorman / Directed by Arthur Adair
Mike Gorman's epic production uses Melville’s 19th-century monster as a metaphor for the modern plague of opioid addiction. The play premiered at The Ellen stewart Theatre at La MaMa in New York City. More...
AMBERGRIS— Mining the Net Yard for the Roots of Addiction And New Models of Sustainable Fishing (Outdoor Performance & Environmental Installation )
(October 20, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
This community event at Portland's Fish Exchange/Net Yard explored the roots of the disease of addiction and the economic devastation being caused by the ongoing opiate epidemic within the commercial fishing community. More...
(October 20, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman and the Forty Hour Club
This community event at Portland's Fish Exchange/Net Yard explored the roots of the disease of addiction and the economic devastation being caused by the ongoing opiate epidemic within the commercial fishing community. More...
GOIN' WEST (Staged Reading)
(April, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman
From Gorman's original 1987 play. An abandoned school bus sets the stage for a 21st century cross-country mythical adventure of the imagination. More...
(April, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman
From Gorman's original 1987 play. An abandoned school bus sets the stage for a 21st century cross-country mythical adventure of the imagination. More...
A PLAYWRIGHT'S JOURNEY— Multi-Media Performance Time-Line (Community Performance)
(March, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman
As part of his Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Artist in Residency, Gorman presented a multi-media performance time-line of the history and development of his epic trilogy of plays "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". More...
(March, 2018)
Created by Michael Gorman
As part of his Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Artist in Residency, Gorman presented a multi-media performance time-line of the history and development of his epic trilogy of plays "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". More...
THE CHASE (Staged Reading Series)
(2017)
Created by Michael Gorman
In this staged reading and installation series, Gorman began the process of synthesizing the three unique, yet intrinsically connected plays in his trilogy, “The Honor and Glory of Whaling”, into a single epic piece. More...
(2017)
Created by Michael Gorman
In this staged reading and installation series, Gorman began the process of synthesizing the three unique, yet intrinsically connected plays in his trilogy, “The Honor and Glory of Whaling”, into a single epic piece. More...
IF COLORADO HAD AN OCEAN (Major Production)
(2014)
Written by Michael Gorman | Directed by David Bennett
Part 1 — Loomings: in Gorman’s Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling" about commercial fishing, opiate addiction, and Moby Dick. More...
(2014)
Written by Michael Gorman | Directed by David Bennett
Part 1 — Loomings: in Gorman’s Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling" about commercial fishing, opiate addiction, and Moby Dick. More...
FISHING FOR PARADISE (Gallery Installation & Multi-Media Performance)
(2014)
Multimedia installation
A deconstruction of the creative process by Mike Gorman for his trilogy of plays, "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". More...
(2014)
Multimedia installation
A deconstruction of the creative process by Mike Gorman for his trilogy of plays, "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". More...
HOW AND WHY I ROBBED MY FIRST CHEESE STORE (Short Play)
(2011)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by David Bennett | Installation by Gregory De La Haba
A highly humorous look at the pretentious, ego-ridden world of downtown New York City Theater. More...
(2011)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by David Bennett | Installation by Gregory De La Haba
A highly humorous look at the pretentious, ego-ridden world of downtown New York City Theater. More...
THE POET AND THE LUMBERJACK (Short Play)
(2009)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Michael Gorman
A playwright and a logger share a jail cell in the North Woods of Maine. More...
(2009)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Michael Gorman
A playwright and a logger share a jail cell in the North Woods of Maine. More...
THE HONOR AND GLORY OF WHALING (Major Production)
(2007/2008)
Written by Michael Gorman
Co-directed by Michael Gorman and Dave Bennet | Staged by George Ferencz
PART II — The Chase: in Gorman’s epic Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling" exploring heroin addiction and commercial fishing. More...
(2007/2008)
Written by Michael Gorman
Co-directed by Michael Gorman and Dave Bennet | Staged by George Ferencz
PART II — The Chase: in Gorman’s epic Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling" exploring heroin addiction and commercial fishing. More...
DEATH BY JOINERY (Short Play)
(2006)
Written and directed by Michael Gorman
Two carpenters stumble upon the occult publishing world of "how-to" books. More...
(2006)
Written and directed by Michael Gorman
Two carpenters stumble upon the occult publishing world of "how-to" books. More...
COUNTING COUP (Major Production)
(2002)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Simon Hammerstein | Starring Jerry Thundercloud
American Indian myth and the game of soccer form the connection between ritual and performance. More...
(2002)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Simon Hammerstein | Starring Jerry Thundercloud
American Indian myth and the game of soccer form the connection between ritual and performance. More...
INTERVIEW (Short Play)
(2002)
Written and directed by Michael Gorman
It's just another day at the office in the well-ordered life of Bill McVort, until Al Holiday shows up. He's got nothing to hide, but Bill's got a few things locked away in the closet. Gowns and wigs? Nope. Wrong closet.. More...
(2002)
Written and directed by Michael Gorman
It's just another day at the office in the well-ordered life of Bill McVort, until Al Holiday shows up. He's got nothing to hide, but Bill's got a few things locked away in the closet. Gowns and wigs? Nope. Wrong closet.. More...
SINGLE ACTION SHOTGUN (Short Play)
(2001)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Michael Gorman and Rick Gomez
A beloved local swamp is threatened by a real-estate developer from Poughkeepsie. More...
(2001)
Written by Michael Gorman
Directed by Michael Gorman and Rick Gomez
A beloved local swamp is threatened by a real-estate developer from Poughkeepsie. More...
ULTRALIGHT (Major Production)
(2000, 2003)
Written by Michael Gorman
PART III — Epilogue: in Gorman’s Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". UltraLight is a mythical story about brotherhood, wilderness, and addiction. More...
(2000, 2003)
Written by Michael Gorman
PART III — Epilogue: in Gorman’s Trilogy "The Honor and Glory of Whaling". UltraLight is a mythical story about brotherhood, wilderness, and addiction. More...
BIFFING MUSSELS (Short Play)
(1994)
Written by Michael Gorman
The Fabulous Giggin’ Brothers classic short comedy. More...
(1994)
Written by Michael Gorman
The Fabulous Giggin’ Brothers classic short comedy. More...
EARLIER PRODUCTIONS AND EVENTS
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A Funny Old Bird (1998) (Short Play)
A Funny Old Bird celebrates the survival of character, family and neighborhood in the face of the conforming forces of contemporary American culture. A Serviceman arrives at the door of the Dupelle residence to "groom" the family parakeet. It soon becomes clear, however, that the Serviceman has been sent for more serious purposes than the grooming of a small bird. More... The Paradox of Professionalism (1996) (Short Play) In this absurd comedy, featuring a tortuous “pant-horn”, the Chairman of The School of Landscape Architecture gives an introductory lecture on how to be a “professional”. The Paradox of Professionalism: it’s not so much what you can do that matters, but what you can’t do. More... An Evening of Good Clean Fun (1996) An evening of performance, music, and video featuring some of Gorman’s early comedic work. More... Chores, or The Big Man in the Orange Rubber Rain Suit (1994) (Short Play) Comedic short play about the salvation to be found through mundane chores. More... NYC 123 (1994) (Short Plays) Mike's NYC premier with The Fabulous Giggin' Bros' featuring two short absurd plays written by Mike, Biffing Mussels and Conversation Pieces, and a third, A Random Act of Violence, co-written with his brother. More... A Random Act of Violence (1994) (Short Play) Written by Michael Gorman & William Gorman. Two rabbits move in next door to Bob Jones, a disgruntled United States Postal Service worker.... More... Island Still Life (1992) (Short Play) "Island Still Life" is the coming of age quest of Raven, an island native from the coast of Maine, to free herself from the desperate boredom and superficiality of the postcard her life has become with her summer friends. After a summer of constant tribute to what a beautiful place they're so blessed to be living in and what wonderful friends they have, dictated by Derrick, a sensitive sailing instructor "from away", Raven has become viciously cynical. She is hungry for action instead of scenery and yearns for the originality of a real adventure. Goin' West (1989) (Short Play) An abandoned school bus, both real and imaginary, is at the center of a debate between the two roommates, who can't agree on whether they should recover the bus, quit college, and head west. The struggle that ensues between them is both profound and wildly comic as the mythical camp cook emerges from the celluloid past to keep the peace between the two headstrong leaders. Unearthed along the t rail, as the roommates fight to determine whether to stay or go, are the thorny issues of student debt and the value of education, literature versus storytelling, the catastrophic clash between Native American and Anglo culture, the power of dreams and the quest ion of what the ideal of “America” really means. In the words of Langston Hughes: “Oh let America be again. The land that has never been and yet must be”. More... |