No one injured, but most assets lost in Riant Theatre fire
By (a)(u) staff
The Riant Theatre was "all but destroyed" by fire on Thursday, December 6, when, according to Artistic Director Van Dirk Fisher, sparks from renovations occurring on the floor above the theatre space ignited a blaze that swept through the theatre located on the fourth floor of 161 Hudson Street. No one was hurt in the blaze, but the theatre sustained considerable damages. Most of the ten-year-old theatre's assets including sets, curtains, costumes, paintings, lights and sound equipment were lost in the blaze. Only a few set pieces and the theatre's box office survived the fire. Fisher estimates that losses will exceed $100,000.
The fire is the second unfortunate event to befall the theatre, the first being the World Trade Center tragedy, which occurred eight blocks south of its home. The subsequent lockdown of downtown New York forced the theatre to cancel its September play festival. In the months following the attack, attendance at the 100-seat theatre dropped from full houses to under 10. The theatre's Strawberry One-Act Festival, which was shortly to open, should have brought audiences back to the Riant; however, the fire has shelved this and other production plans for the near future. More than future plans, Fisher watched ten years worth of work "go in a couple of hours."
Since the blaze, Fisher and his assistant, Mags Mauro, have been "doing what we can," Fisher says. Fisher has begun the search for a new space. He hopes to occupy a new space in time to produce the Strawberry One-Act Festival in February.
"I always try to be optimistic, keep the faith," Fisher says.
He has asked anyone interested in making a donation to the Riant's relocation efforts to send their correspondence to the theatre's current mailing address. All mail will be forwarded to their new location. Volunteers are are also welcome. Those interested in volunteering to help the Riant in its recovery are asked to call (212) 925-8353 with their availability and contact info.
Donations (tax-deductible) may be mailed to:
The Riant Theatre
Attn: Van Dirk Fisher
161 Hudson St., 4th Floor
New York, NY 10013.
