(GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.) – RIOT, a new physical theater play by the internationally acclaimed Wardrobe Ensemble from Bristol, U.K., has its U.S. premiere at the Berkshire Fringe – in the Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock College – now through August 13.

Nominated for the Acting Excellence Award for Best Ensemble of 2011 at the Edinburgh Fringe, RIOT is a darkly comic window into the frenzied nature of consumer culture, integrating virtuosic physicality, live music and eyewitness accounts of an actual riot that broke out during the opening of an infamous Swedish furniture store North of London in February, 2005.

“The Fringe is delighted to have an opportunity to host such a dynamic group of theater makers on their first trip to the United States. Wardrobe’s presence in our community provides an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange — one that will spark a lasting dialogue,” said Berkshire Fringe co-artistic director Sara Katzoff.

Based on the campus of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, the Berkshire Fringe presents three weeks of groundbreaking original theater, dance and music by emerging artists from across the globe. 2012 marks the first time in the festival’s history that a company from outside the United States has been invited to participate.

“The welcome and support we have received here at the Berkshire Fringe has just been incredible,”  said Wardrobe co-founder Jesse Jones. “There are nine of us in the ensemble and our residency here in the Berkshires provides us with a rare opportunity to come together to both perform and develop new work.”

While in residency at the Berkshire Fringe, the Wardrobe Ensemble will also be developing its newest theater piece, LOS 33, which focuses on the story of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days in 2010. Along with the Wardrobe Ensemble, three other artists are also in residency, including Dan Bernitt from Chicago, Haerry Kim from Korea, and Daniel Forlano from Cambridge, Mass.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR RIOT IS AS FOLLOWS

Sat, Aug 4 at 7pm

Sun, Aug 5 at 6pm

Wed, Aug 8 at 9pm

Thurs, Aug 9 at 7pm

Fri, Aug 10 at 9pm

Sat, Aug 11 at 1:30 – FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP!

Sat, Aug 11 at 7pm

Sun, Aug 12 at 8pm

Mon, Aug 13 at 8pm

Tickets to all Berkshire Fringe performances are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Seating is limited and advanced purchase is strongly recommended. For tickets and information,  please call 413.320.4175 or visit Berkshire Fringe for a full schedule of over 50 performances, workshops and special events.

The Wardrobe Ensemble is a young, emerging theatre company that has been resident at Bristol Old Vic Theatre over the last year. Combining many different performance disciplines such as music, choreography and text, the members bring together a diverse range of skills to create original and exciting theatre.  The company formed through the theater’s Made In Bristol project, a program launched as an opportunity for Young Company graduates to train together, create theater and develop their skills as workshop leaders.