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Elmo, Turf Wars, and a Cookie Monster Army Covered in New Ft. Greene Play

By Janet Upadhye | April 19, 2013 1:31pm
 FURRY!, a play about the turf wars between costumed characters in Times Square, opened April 18 in Fort Greene.
FURRY!, a play about the turf wars between costumed characters in Times Square, opened April 18 in Fort Greene.
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Sue Kessler

FORT GREENE — Emerging playwright William Burke, 34, spent some time among the Batmans, Elmos, and Cookie Monsters of Times Square.

But it wasn't until the former Broadway usher read about a true life turf war where one Cookie Monster stabbed another that he was inspired to action.

"I asked myself what would make someone do that," he said. "And then I answered in the form of a play."

Burke's play, showing this week at Jack Theater in Fort Greene, involves a man dressed as Elmo, turf wars, "The Art of War," and a Cookie Monster army.

"It is purely fictional," said the Brooklyn College graduate student. "But it explores the humanity of costumed characters and who they are in and out of the suit."

Burke said this play is particularly relevant in light of recent incidents involving a Cookie Monster who shoved a small child, a Super Mario who groped a woman, and an Elmo prone to yelling anti-Semitic slurs.

"No doubt costumed characters can be creepy," he said.

But there is more than just a shock factor to Burke's work.

"This play has some more personal themes in the plot," he said. "It's also about people who work hard to take care of their families."

"FURRY!" runs April 18 - 20 and April 24 - 27. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10 at the door. For more information visit Jack's website.