Kate Zambreno

You don't need to go the Fringe Festival in New York this week to see great experimental theater. For sixteen years Mary-Arrchie Theater Company's "Abby Hoffman Died for Our Sins" has redefined the hard-core theater festival. Starting Friday and running nonstop through Sunday, this theatrical sit-in celebrating the Woodstock anniversary features fifty-four groups and individuals this year. Around three in the morning on Saturday, "some crazy stuff" begins to happen to the inspired-yet-sleep-deprived, says Mary-Arrchie Artistic Director Richard Cotovsky. "It gets very, very euphoric," he adds. Twenty-five dollars allows you to "come and go" for the festival, or you can purchase a day pass for $10, or $5 to "stay in as long as you can stand it." Which for some fans used to mean the whole festival. "There used to be these guys that would come and camp out. Then they figured out that if they performed they'd get in for free," says Cotovsky. "But I like the idea that they paid the $5 and just hung out."

"Abby Hoffman Died for Our Sins" festival takes place at Angel Island, 731 West Sheridan, (773)871-0442. Fri-Sun, $5-$25.

(2003-08-13)

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