Brownbox in the Times

Shunpike Partner Artist Brownbox Theatre is noted in this Seattle Times piece on black theater in Seattle:

But "Hamlet X," Brown's imaginative staging of Shakespeare's tragedy, and the quirky Adriano Shaplin play "Wreck the Airline Barrier" drew small but enthused audiences, decent reviews and grants from private and civic funders.

Brown says what he needs now is "more infrastructure" to promote his shows and sell tickets. And a more targeted game plan.

Indeed, Brownbox's future seems promising but in flux. In 2007, Brown hopes to produce an annual "Negro Passion Play" with a "black Christ, set in the South during the Civil Rights era." Next year he also wants to revive "Hamlet X" and "Black to My Roots," an ebullient riff on black women and their hair challenges which has toured locally and to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. And next summer, he aims to concoct a classical mini-fest, "Shakespeare In the Park'N Lot."

Read the whole thing.

Posted by Frank at 06:27 PM

The Papers Love "Fetes De La Nuit"

Strike Anywhere Productions received great reviews this week for their first show under Shunpike's Partner Artist program, Fetes De La Nuit:

"I'll admit, I swooned; I simply can't imagine a more perfect summer evening theater date than this play," Paul Constant writes in The Stranger.

The Seattle Weekly's Gavin Borchert adds, "Amorous couplings mix and match genders without being self-consciously naughty, which is a relief; the young cast's puppylike eagerness to entertain blends refreshingly with the material's deadpan, elegant silliness (and Re-bar's casual pierced-and-tattooed funkiness adds another flavor to the recipe)."

Check it out at Re-bar through July 16. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

Posted by Frank at 07:01 PM

Strike Anywhere Productions Presents "Fetes De La Nuit"

Strike Anywhere Productions—a project of the Shunpike Presents:
Fetes de la Nuit
Written by Charles L. Mee

June 7, 2006—Fetes de la Nuit is a theatrical collage of tango and temptation; corsets and can-can; passion; pain and of course; Paris. Paris is showcased as the tempestuous international capital of love (and hate) that arouses our deepest conflicts and desires. Part titillating spectacle, part heated debate, Fetes de la Nuit will ignite a myriad of your fires.

“Louis XIV used to stage what he called Fetes de la Nuit at Versailles—spectacles full of music, dance, hunting dogs and fireworks. Here are Fetes as he might have staged them today, with the music and dance and rage of the Third World rising up amidst the stereotypes of old Paris.”-Charles L. Mee.

This play contains strong language, adult themes, explicit sexuality and partial nudity.

June 23-July 16, 2006
Re-Bar
1114 Howell Street
Seattle, Wash.
(Corner of Howell & Boren)

Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets

Strike Anywhere Productions
Strike Anywhere Productions is an emerging Seattle-based theater company dedicated to mounting a combination of original and under-produced works that are evocative, diverse and relevant. With our productions we seek to ignite social, political and personal change. Through collaborations with artists and the community, we want our work to continually spark discussion and fuel inflammatory theatrical events.

The Shunpike
The Shunpike was founded in 2001 to strengthen the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work. It focuses specifically on emerging artists and arts organizations, helping them negotiate the many administrative, business and production challenges inherent in making art and developing sustainable institutions. Through its Partner Artists program, it has successfully supported the work of over 500 artists working in diverse media including live performance, film, literary arts, theatre, visual arts and arts education.

Posted by Frank at 07:22 PM

Artreach Call For Artists: "Truth or Dare"

Artreach, a project of the Shunpike, is seeking artists for its new show Truth or Dare.

ABOUT ARTREACH
Artreach is a non-profit arts organization that aims to increase demand for art among young professionals in King County by promoting approachable art. What is approachable art?

• High quality original art that fits in the budget. High quality art doesn't always mean oil painting on large canvas. It can also mean a small study, a sketch of a future painting, or a photograph taken on vacation
• Art showcased in a way that helps viewers appreciate it. The story behind an art piece helps establish a personal connection between the viewer and the artist.
• Art presented in a social party atmosphere that removes the barriers between the viewer and the art.
• Art that can be easily set up at home.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

• All types of visual art are welcome
  
• Art must be for sale, suggested price must be included
  
• At least 25% of art submitted must be under $200 (no restriction on size or medium used)
  
• All submissions must be sent in digital form to artreachseattle@gmail.com
  
• Date for submission: June 25th, 2006
  
• No limit on number of submissions
  
• Living in King County, WA
  
• No cost for applying
  

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• Quality of execution
  
• Approachability (see above)
  
• Relevance to the theme
  

PARTICIPATING IN THE EXHIBITION
Artist whose work has been accepted for exhibition will be notified by June 30th, 2006. If accepted, artists will be asked to pay $50 to help us provide:

• Exhibition space
  
• Help with install/deinstall
  
• Marketing/PR
  
• Opening reception
  

All sale proceeds go directly to the artist. Artreach does not charge a commission on the artwork sold.

INFORMATION ON EXHIBITION
Date: July 25th, 7PM--11PM at SeeSound Lounge
The Shunpike strengthens the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work.

Please e-mail us with any questions,

Artreach Seattle
Samantha, Steve, Brendan, Jason, Natala, Ruthie & Phil.

Posted by Frank at 06:18 PM

Rivet R16 Release Party

Saturday, May 20 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Celebrate the release of R16: The Action Issue with Rivet staff and contributors. Come on and get some.

Lo_Fi
429B Eastlake Ave E

Music provided by Sam Rousso Soundsystem

$5 cover includes magazine

Map to Lo-Fi

View the invite

Posted by Frank at 07:11 PM

Brownbox Theater pressents The Amen Corner

A Gospel Play By One Of America's Most Eminent Writers

Seattle, WA – BROWNBOX Theatre ends its first season with THE AMEN CORNER by James Baldwin. The show opens Friday, June 16th and runs through July 2nd at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center in Columbia City.

THE AMEN CORNER is James Baldwin’s ode to the Black Church. The play (not to be confused with Amen Corner, the musical adaptation of the play) tells the simple story of Sister Margaret Alexander, who for years has inspired her congregation with a mixture of personal charisma and ferocious piety. But when Margaret's estranged husband returns, she is in danger of losing her standing in the church and the son she has tried to keep on the godly path. For his first work for the theater James Baldwin brought the fervor and majestic rhetoric of the storefront churches of his childhood along with an unwavering awareness of the price those churches exacted from their worshipers. "A scalding, uplifting, sorrowful and exultant masterpiece of the modern American theater" - Vintage International

THE AMEN CORNER Director Tyrone Brown is Artistic Director and Founder of BROWNBOX Theatre. Directing credits include Wreck The Airline Barrier, Hamlet X: The Tragedy of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and Black To My Roots. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Western Washington University.

THE AMEN CORNER Playwright James Baldwin was born in 1924 and educated in New York. Between 1953 and 1987, Baldwin wrote over twenty books of fiction and non-fiction. The recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Ford Foundation Grant, among other accolades, Baldwin was made a Commander of the Legion of Honor in 1986. He died at his home in France on December 1, 1987.

THE AMEN CORNER features the talents of 12 local African American actors and actresses.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night: Friday, June 16, 2006 at 7:30pm
Venue: Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 South Alaska Street in Columbia City / Southeast Seattle
Run of Show: June 16 – July 2, 2006. Nine performances over three consecutive weekends
Performance Days: Fridays (5/16, 5/22 and 5/30), Saturdays (5/17, 5/23 and 6/1) and Sundays (5/18, 5/24 and 6/2).
Performance Times: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm
Ticket Prices: $15.00 for general admission / $12.00 for students and seniors / $10.00 for children 12 and under
Special Church / Group Rate: $10.00 each for a party of 10 more (call 264-1131 for group reservation).
To Purchased Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-2006 / www.brownpapertickets.com or at Ticket Window at 206-325-6500 / www.ticketwindowonline.com.

Posted by Frank at 05:55 PM

Brownbox Theater in the P-I

The Seattle P-I profiles Brown Box Theater Artistic Director (and Shunpike Partner Artist) Tyrone Brown.

Do check it out. And don't miss Wreck the Airline Barrier, which closes next weekend.

Posted by Frank at 05:54 PM

SOMA theatre in association with Consolidated Works presents THIRST

THIRST, a Masque Opera, tells the mythic journey of a man torn between his mother’s world of natural harmony and his father’s world of consumption and power. Offspring of both worlds, he finds himself caught in their mutual struggle over one of the most fundamental and at-risk resources needed for life: water. How does he find his own path through struggle, and through the greater journey of life? How do we deal with these tensions in our own lives and in the present-day world?

THIRST is told through dynamic movement, music, masks, and a range of vocal styles.

Story and direction by Stan Hoffman in collaboration with the ensemble.
Music by Stan Hoffman and Stephen Fandrich.

May 18, 19, 20, at 7:30 PM
May 21 at 3:00 PM
Consolidated Works
500 Boren Avenue North (in the South Lake Union neighborhood)
Seattle, Washington 98109

$15 advance / $10 students, seniors, members of ConWorks,

Tickets for THIRST, as for all ConWorks' produced programs and events, will be available soon at Brown Paper Tickets. You can find them online at www.brownpapertickets.com, order your tickets by phone 24 hours a day at 1-800-838-3006, or buy tickets in person at any of their four ticket locations in Seattle.

Posted by Frank at 06:51 PM

Atlas Theatre Presents "The Swan"

Gritty, poetic and surprisingly comic, The Swan deftly navigates through a seemingly implacable everyday reality and into fantastical dreamlike experiences. The story is of a woman who has been left by three husbands and now finds herself in a lackluster affair with a married man. Then, one night, a swan crashes into her window and transforms into a charismatic, elemental man-creature, sparking a fierce journey of self-discovery and awakening passions.

Click here for performance dates and times.

Posted by Frank at 06:52 PM

Live Girls Presents Notorious Women

NOTORIOUS WOMEN
The Lady Hero Project

March 18- April 2nd
Sat 4pm and 8pm
Sun 2pm

All shows take place at Live Girls! Theater, 2220 NW Market in Ballard.
Tickets are $9-$12 for all shows/ $15- $18 for the Opening Gala Event.
UNDER 18 ARE FREE AT THE DOOR.
Advance tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com

“Women do not lack role models. They do though, need to rescue them from the shadows of selective history.”

Live Girls! announces the return of their popular program Notorious Women written and compiled by Zoe Fitzgerald and directed by Meghan Arnette. Recommended for ages 10 and up this show appeals to youth and adult audiences.

Created as a tribute to women who have rocked our world Notorious Women uses interviews, speeches, and original material to inspire and educate audiences. Notorious Women has been a yearly project at Live Girls! since 2003. Back by popular demand for Women’s History month after a short but successful run in 2005, this version of the show will run for 3 weeks at Live Girls! Women represented in the show include Hawaiian Senator Patsy Mink, Blues icon Billie Holiday, Burmese Freedom Fighter Aung San Suu Kyi, Cuban Ballerina Alicia Alonso and British Columbia native and painter Emily Carr. The cast includes, Alicia Barta, Amy Conant, Cristina Gomez Key, Rachael Ferguson and Jaime Roberts. Supplemental materials for teachers and families are available by emailing info@livegirlstheater.org

Posted by Frank at 01:30 PM

Manifold Motion Presents Fissure

Where: Tashiro Kaplan Lofts: Vandenbrink Community Room, 115 Prefontaine Place South, Seattle, WA
When: Friday and Saturday March 17th & 18th at 8pm
Tickets: $12 suggested donation at the door
Seating is limited, reservations can be made through Brown Paper Tickets or 1-800-838-3006

Fissure features improvised contemporary music and dance, a sculptural installation and video art that uses the sculpture and performers as unconventional projection surfaces, resulting in a stage swathed in textured and multidimensional moving images.

Through Fissure, Manifold Motion and collaborating artists present improvisation and thematic development across genres and forms as a unified and compelling performance event.

Fissure is co-created by Jeremy Bieger, a composer, bassist and video artist and Manifold Motion's Artistic Director, Keely Isaak Meehan, a movement and video artist. Bieger and Meehan have worked together on several projects over the past ten years including Manifold Motion's premiere production, Seed.

Collaborating artists include Kyle von Wrangel Kinsey, a fused glass artist whose work can be seen and purchased in galleries around Seattle and at Pike Place Market; percussionist and idea-machine Mike McCracken; and musician Dan White.

About the Company
Manifold Motion was founded in the Spring of 2005 in order to produce collaborative and interdisciplinary performances on a regular basis. Based in Seattle, WA, the company works and performs with artists at home and throughout the country. Manifold Motion's premiere production, Seed, was created in collaboration with NY-based composer Jeremy Bieger, and was performed in Seattle in July 2005 at the Freehold Theatre. Seed moved to NY in September, showing at Triskelion Arts in Brooklyn. Manifold Motion is a project of the Shunpike.

Focusing on collaborative and interdisciplinary performance, Manifold Motion explores the event at the intersection of art forms by bringing together practitioners of dance, music, theater, literary and visual art and new media. We seek to cross barriers between artforms, encourage collaboration between artists, and provide opportunities for audiences to experience new modes of expression.

About the Shunpike
The Shunpike was founded in 2001 to strengthen the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work. It focuses specifically on emerging artists and arts organizations, helping them negotiate the many administrative, business and production challenges inherent in making art and developing sustainable institutions. Through its Partner Artists program, it has successfully supported the work of over 500 artists working in diverse media including live performance, film, literary arts, theatre, visual arts and arts education.

Posted by Frank at 06:41 PM

Calls for Arists

Two of our Shunpike Partner Artists need artists for their upcoming projects:

***********************************************

For Immediate Release: Call for Artist

Manifold Motion seeks an artist interested in creating a sculptural installation piece for a new performance involving live music, dance, and video projections.

The selected artist will create an installation piece that can be performed around, in or on, and projected onto, based on a theme that the musicians, dancers, and video artists are also working with. Within a few basic spatial and utility guidelines the artist will be free to create as they see fit.
The performance will be on March 17th and 18th, 2006. Material and transportation costs will be reimbursed.

Interested artists should contact Keely Isaak Meehan at keely@ManifoldMotion.com for more information. Attached photos of previous work appreciated.

Focusing on collaborative and interdisciplinary performance, Manifold Motion explores the event at the intersection of art forms by bringing together practitioners of dance, music, theater, literary and visual art and new media. We seek to cross barriers between artforms, encourage collaboration between artists, and provide opportunities for audiences to experience new modes of expression.

Read more about Manifold Motion and see photos from our last show at www.ManifoldMotion.com.

************************************************

Seattle, WA – BROWNBOX Theatre announces auditions for THE AMEN CORNER, a gospel play by James Baldwin.

THE AMEN CORNER tells the story of Sister Margaret Alexander, who for years has inspired her congregation with a mixture of personal charisma and ferocious piety. But when Margaret’s estranged husband returns, she is in danger of losing both her standing in the church and the son she has tried to keep on the godly path. This was James Baldwin’s first work for the theatre.

The production will run June 16-July 2, 2006, with performances at 7:30pm on June 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and July 1, and matinees on June 18, 24 and July 2 at 3:00pm.

BROWNBOX is seeking African American actors and actresses representing a variety of ages, experiences, and backgrounds. Ideal candidates should have some acting experience, enjoy movement, be open to improvisation, and be able to make a full commitment to the creative process.

The auditions will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2006:

Women’s Session from 2:00 – 3:00
Men’s Session from 3:30 - 4:30
Same Day Call Backs from 4:30 - 6:00

Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 South Alaska Street in Columbia City.

For the audition please prepare a gospel song of your choice (to be sung without accompaniment) and a short monologue (you may request to do a cold reading from the script). We ask that you please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to fill out audition form, wear comfortable clothing and shoes (there may be some dance or movement), and if possible provide an 8"x10" head-shot and current creative resume.

To sign up for a session and for additional information contact Justice Beitzel, Casting Director at justice4brownbox@comcast.net or (206) 228-5636.

BROWNBOX Theatre is a Seattle based theatre under the non-profit umbrella of the Shunpike Arts Collective. The mission of BROWNBOX is the creation and production of contemporary African American theatre. Most rehearsals and all performances for production will be held at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center in Southeast Seattle.

*************************************************

Posted by Frank at 06:10 PM

PWYC for BTMR

As if we need more acronyms in our lives! Art Patch is sponsoring a pay-what-you-can night of Brownbox Theatre's production of Black to My Roots. The special evening is Thursday November 17 at 7:30pm.

Many thanks to Art Patch for this wonderful opportunity.

Posted by Frank at 11:46 PM

Praise for MEMORY

Atlas Theatre's production of The Memory of Water at Live Girls! is getting great reviews! The Seattle Times praises the direction and acting. Says reviewer Richard Morin, "Simply put, with this strong show, theater is alive and well in Ballard."

Indeed.

The Seattle Weekly spoke equally well of the production.

I saw it this weekend and I enjoyed it very much. It's an all-around solid production, and you should definitely go see it. Check Atlas Theatre's website for details.

Posted by Frank at 03:24 AM

Atlas Theatre Presents The Memory of Water

Atlas Theatre Presents Olivier Award Winning Best Comedy The Memory of Water

Winner of the 2000 Lawrence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this wise and funny play celebrates the lives of three sisters reunited on the eve of their mother's funeral. As the sisters come to terms with each other and their loss, we are treated to a fabulous roller-coaster ride of insight, denial and laughter. The Memory of Water is a bittersweet examination of family and memory. A project of the Shunpike. The Shunpike strengthens the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work.

WHAT:
The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson
directed by Chris Mayse

WHEN:
October 28 - November 13, 2005
Fri. 10/28 -8:00pm
Sat. 10/29 -8:00pm
Sun 10/30 -4:00pm
Thurs. Fri. Sat. 11/3, 11/4, 11/5 -8:00pm
Thurs. Fri. 11/10, 11/11 -8:00pm
Mon*11 /7 -8:00pm (Industry Night)
Sun. 11/13 -4:00pm

PRICE: $10 (general admission), $8 (students w/ ID; seniors), Pay What You Can (Opening Night & Thursdays)

WHERE:
LiveGirls! Theater
2220 NW Market St. (Lower Level) in Ballard
Seattle WA 98107

CONTACT:
(206) 679 1565.

TICKETS:
www.ticketwindowonline.com
(206) 325-6500

FEATURING:
Maggie DiGiovanni, Lisa Viertel, Christine White,
Erica Stoddard, Aaron Odom, Philip Clarke

CONTACT:
Samara Lerman
AtlasTheatrePR@yahoo.com
206-679-1565

Posted by Frank at 06:40 PM

BROWNBOX Theatre presents Black to my Roots

FRINGE FIRST AWARD WINNER AT THE 2002 EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Seattle, WA – BROWNBOX Theatre presents the new production of BLACK TO MY ROOTS written by Kathya Alexander and Reneschia Brown, as conceived and directed by Artistic Director Tyrone Brown. The production opens Friday, November 11, and runs through November 27, 2005 at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center in Southeast Seattle.

BLACK TO MY ROOTS explores the unique and complex relationship “Afro” Americans have with their tresses.
A play about Black hair? Yes, but hair as a metaphor for life. As one characters states “who knew that something so minute in nature could be a reflection of much more, a reflection of life’s own twist and turns, its kinks and processes, and even a reflection of who we are as a people.” This production includes the addition of new pieces that explore the male perspective on hair. The original production was described by Joyce McMillan, UK theatre critic for The Scotsman, as a “brilliantly good-humored and energetic journey into the experience of black America” and went on to say “it’s delivered with as much life-affirming energy and joy as any show I’ve seen in Edinburgh this year.”

BLACK TO MY ROOTS director Tyrone Brown is Artistic Director of BROWNBOX Theatre. Directing credits include the original production of Black To My Roots, Wreck The Airline Barrier by Adriano Shaplin, The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, and Hamlet X: The Tragedy of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz by William Shakespeare. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Western Washington University.

BLACK TO MY ROOTS features the talents of 7 local actors, including Kathya Alexander, Dolores Browne and Terry Jones. The creative team includes costume design by Avianca Walker, lighting design by Brendon Orth-Sheridan, and set design by Craig Wollam of Seattle Scenic Studios.

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

Press Night / Opening Night: Friday, November 11, 2005 at 7:30pm
Venue: Rainier Valley Cultural Center, located at 3515 South Alaska Street in Southeast Seattle / Columbia City
Run of Show: November 11 – November 27, 2005. There are nine performances only.
Performance Days: First Week 11/11, 11/12 & 11/13 – * Second Week 11/17, 11/18 & 11/19 – Third Week 11/25, 11/26 & 11/27. * Note that the second week of shows run Thursday through Saturday
Performance Times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm
Post-Play Discussion: Immediately following all Sunday performance
Ticket Prices: $15.00 for general admission
Ticket Discounts: $12.00 for students, seniors and children 12 and under. $10.00 for groups of 10 or more
Tickets Can Be Purchased Through: Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-2006 / www.brownpapertickets.com or at Ticket Window at 206-325-6500 / www.ticketwindowonline.com

Posted by Frank at 05:37 PM

Lola Tarot Opens This Week

Lola Tarot
Improvisational Ritual Theatre

Friday & Saturday’s at 7:30 pm
October 7- November 12, 2005
Jewelbox Theater @ Rendezvous Bar, 2322 2nd Avenue
Seattle 98121

$15 tickets
Tickets in advance at Brown Paper Tickets
or at 1-800-838-3006
PLEASE NOTE: These shows are for ages 21+

Featuring: Tamara Newmoon & Kenny Telesco
Music by: John Ames, Jens Flockoi, Kimber Godsey, Anne-Emilie Gravel, Kathy Hanson, Wayo Hogan, Sebastian Lange and Peter Toms.
Lighting: Michael Ricciardi

Contact us: lolatarot@yahoo.com

Lola Tarot weaves together improvisational theatre, music and dance with Tarot card readings, creating uniquely interactive performances. Audience members ask questions, and through the use of various Tarot card spreads, watch these rituals come to life. Lola Tarot is unlike anything you’ve seen before…

www.lolatarot.org

*Lola Tarot is a non-profit organization, sponsored by The Shunpike*

Posted by Frank at 07:45 PM