presented by ACTLab and The Kenan Directing Showcase
Dates: Sept 21 – 29, 2018
Running Time: approximately 110 minutes, with one 10-minute intermission.
Location: Eulalie Scandiuzzi Space
A world built on greed rather than empathy will always turn its back on the good in a person.
Three gods in search of lodgings are taken in by Shen Te, a poor girl who sells herself to make ends meet. In exchange, the gods give her favor, fortune, and the title of “a good person”. Shen Te desperately tries to live up to her new status, but her neighbors see only opportunity in her kindness, forcing Shen Te to create a male alter ego, Shui Ta, to protect herself from being torn in two by the selfish nature of her world. Brecht’s classic parable seeks to expose the contradictions within our society, and asks the question: Is this the world we want to leave our children?
(Third God, Unemployed Man, Mrs. Mitzu, Grandfather, Old Woman, & Niece)
CREATIVE TEAM
Ahna Demaro, Director
Rachel Miller, Stage Manager
Alexander Winterle, Scenic Designer
Amber Parker, Lighting Designer
Andre Nelson, Composer and Sound Designer
Kat Laveaux, Costume Designer
Ahna Demaro is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with training in filmmaking, acting, and directing. Past theatre credits include: Lost and Found and A Jungle Book (Peppercorn Theatre); Urinetown, Drood, and The Music Man (Playmaker’s Rep); Henceforward (Deep Dish Theatre); and Living Dead in Denmark (The ArtsCenter). She debuted in the UNCSA School of Film production of Where Mothbloods Bloom. The film made its World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival and most recently appeared at the RiverRun International Film Festival. While in school, she directed Lungs and Doubt, using a black box and a minimalist approach. She discovered that the empty space held no limitations, inviting only the freedom of choice and discovery. In Seattle, she hopes to continue breaking theatre down to the basics so that the heart of her stories can shine through even on the rainiest of days.
About the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts
The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a creative catalyst that encourages and supports the exploration and development of new knowledge to transform the way artists, organizations and communities approach their creative challenges. For more information, visit www.uncsa.edu/kenan.
The Kenan Fellowship and ACT seek to provide emerging artists with practical knowledge and experience as artists embarking on a career in regional theatre.
Each Kenan Fellow is mentored by Artistic Director, John Langs, ACTLab Production Coordinator, Katie Burnett, and Artistic and Executive Manager, Samie Detzer, as well as by the entire ACT staff, in varying capacities. Mentors support and assist the Fellows through their learning of ACT’s approach to making theatre and guide the Fellows through the challenges and realities of what it means to be an artist in Seattle. Additionally, the Fellowship supports time to pursue artistic growth, attend performances, and the further development of networking in their professional field. Kenan Fellows are also encouraged to apply to produce and develop their own performance project.
Launched in 2007 as The Central Heating Lab, ACTLab serves as an incubator and catalyst for new works. Uniquely positioned to provide space and resources in a collaborative environment, ACT partners with emerging and seasoned local artists, giving them the sustenance and pressure required to experiment, grow, and transform their work and reach new audiences.
ACTLab is investing in the imagination of audiences and artists, cultivating new ideas through experimentation, excellent art, and meaningful partnerships.
ACT believes that our patrons can determine what is offensive for themselves, and what is appropriate for their children. We don’t create age restrictions but do our best to offer content advisories for each show. For detailed information about show content and possible triggers, please contact communications@dev.acttheatre.org.
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