the big five

What has really struck me is is the personification of the Big Five.  They’re the richest landowners in the town, pretty much in control of it all.  When I saw the extreme physical choices that Chris and the actors made, I laughed-we all did.  Then I looked closer, and saw how ugly, distorted, and miserly they were.  How too much money can sometimes negatively transform the people that have it.

The repetition of the word “Money” made me cringe.  And I thought, “Wow, this is brilliant.  This is a really special moment.”

–Monalisa Arias

obama and cultural issues

“Cultural issues, which aren’t a top priority for new administrations even in the best of times, will have trouble climbing very high on the Obama agenda. But in light of what this election has helped us to understand about the potency of the arts in our national life, the new president would be wasting a glorious opportunity if he failed to give them his attention. Partly it’s because the overlapping crises we face at the moment give him a rare chance to dream big. Partly, too, his singular story gives him a unique ability to make connections among people that might change the way we think about culture. But it’s also a question of his larger vision for society, which the arts could help him to realize. If he treats them wisely, he might foster a climate for creativity as unprecedented as his election.”

writes Jeremy McCarter in Newsweek magazine.

Check out this article, an insightful and persuasive view of Obama’s obligation to ensure cultural vitality in a difficult time.

introducing roundheads and peakheads

feb 11 – mar 15, 2009

by Bertolt Brecht

directed by Christopher Gallu*

Roundheads and Peakheads is a story of the mythical land of Yahoo, a country on the brink of civil war. The government is run by wealthy landholders who are facing an uprising from their poor tenants who are unable to pay their rent. In order to prevent their own overthrow, the landholders devise a scheme to trick the poor into fighting with each other. They tell the poor Roundheads that all of their problems are due to the minority Peakheads. There begins a story of class and race warfare that serves nobody but the wealthy and powerful. Originally based on Measure for Measure, this seldom-produced piece is sure to resonate with audiences today. Tickets on sale now.  All tickets $10.

the cast

Monalisa Arias
Jenny Crooks
Catherine Deadman
Kathleen Gonzales
Cesar Guadamuz
Dan Istrate
Erica McLaughlin
Andres Talero
John Tweel
Grady Weatherford

the production team

Scott Fortier+*,   Artistic Director
Elizabeth Richards +*,   General Manager
Chris Gallu,  Director
Danielle Amato,  Dramaturg
Susie Pamudji* ,   Stage Manager
Kelly Brasseau, Asst. Stage Manager
Michael D’Addario,  Scenic Designer
Elizabeth Richards+*,  Props Artisan
Yvette Ryan,  Costume Designer
Jason Cowperthwaite+,  Lighting Designer
Brendon Vierra,  Sound Designer
Michael D’Addario, Video Design
Cyana Cook,  Choreographer
Chris Royal,  Composer
Brian Allard, Master Electrician

* AEA             + Catalyst Company Members