“Courageous Acts: Revealing Solo Works”
“Courageous Acts” is self-created, autobiographical, and improvisational solo works to expose the heart of what it means to be alive and celebrate our shared humanity.
A culmination of a three-month creative group process, solo works were developed in the Soulscape Theatre Project, a performing arts initiative of the Mandala Center for Change. Performances are in Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend, Washington. Gather for this two-night event in either location to see different solo works presented each night and be invited to reflect on your own story in a post-show audience interaction.
Two-night performance event in two locations (different solo works performed each night):
Sacred Groves, Bainbridge Island
LOCATION: Sacred Groves directions
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, March 28 & Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:00-9:30pm
COST: $10 ($18 for both nights) *no one is turned away for lack of funds.
TICKETS: Pay-at-the-door
Special Thanks to Sacred Groves hosts Therese Charvet and Tere Carranza.
Pope Marine Building, Port Townsend
LOCATION: Pope Marine Building on Water and Madison Street directions
DATE: Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8:00-10:30pm
COST: Admission is $10 per show or $18 for both nights
TICKETS: please call 379-0195 or visit www.keycitypublictheatre.org
Produced by Key City Public Theatre, in association with the Mandala Center for Change.
Courageous Acts Artists
“Courageous Acts” ARTISTS:
Aba Kiser
Anna Hansen
Brian Rohr
Leif Hansen
Van Calvez
Zhaleh Almaee, Director
Emily Neumann, supporting actor and musician
Laurence Cole, musician, Port Townsend performances
Stage Manager: Bethany Patten
Wisdom Council: Collin Brown, Judith Glass Collins, Frost Freeman, Sheila Rubin, Velda Thoman, Marc Weinblatt
Photographer: Alana Karsch. Photo taken at Studio 36, Port Townsend.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COURAGEOUS ACTS:
What is the story unfolding in your life right now, and do you dare share it in front of an audience? Six solo performance artists reveal their private lives on stage in the upcoming March 2012 show, “Courageous Acts: Revealing Solo Works.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Artist and audience alike can expect surprises at the performances; each night different acts are presented that blend improvisation, self-scripted text and performance structures with a wide variety of themes. The combination of a simple black set, few lights, live musicians, and intimate, limited seating help keep the focus on the performers.
Each “courageous act” varies in style ranging from a musical number, an interpretive dance, dramatic rants, and tender, poetic moments. Themes range from relating to technology, commitment, growing older, and living a balanced life amidst dramatic environmental changes, among others. Universal yet deeply intimate in their representation with the artists’ personal story driving the action.
DIRECTOR:
Zhaleh Almaee is both performer and director of “Courageous Acts,” a show developed in her new Soulscape Theatre Project, a performing arts wing of the Mandala Center for Change.
“When I turn my attention to my life story and share it in a group with others to create a solo work, there is a subtle and powerful impact. It’s risky and can feel very vulnerable. I believe everyone has a need to be seen and heard. This is a valuable, creative way for people to share their stories. Personal stories remind us that others face similar challenges and are also vulnerable. We discover our own power when we realize we aren’t alone and recognize humanity all around us,” says Almaee.
INFLUENCES:
“Courageous Acts” is influenced in part by: Self-Revelatory Theater from Drama Therapy, the interactive storytelling form of Playback Theatre, Dream Narratives, and Ritual Theatre, among other dramatic and improvisational techniques.
SOULSCAPE THEATRE PROJECT:
The Soulscape Theatre Project, founded by Zhaleh Almaee, is a performing arts initiative of the Mandala Center. The focus of the project is to develop original performances to connect, reflect, and transform humanity.
The 2012 show, ”Courageous Acts: Revealing Solo Works,” is presented on March 28-29 in Bainbridge Island at Sacred Groves and in Port Townsend, WA on March 30-31 at the Pope Marine Building, thanks to Key City Public Theatre, producer of the Port Townsend shows. This two-night performing arts event of original solo works is a vulnerable, artistic presentation of personal story to celebrate the heart of what it means to be alive. What’s your story?
Future Soulscape themes under consideration include:
- 99 Voices – the current historic Occupy movement.
- Every Stage of Life – aging and the wisdom of elders.
- Women’s Wisdom – the rise of women to power throughout the world.
- Arab Allies – the cultural heritage of Middle Eastern-Americans.
- …and other themes to come!
For more information about the Soulscape Theatre Project and to learn how to support or be involved, please email zhaleh@mandalaforchange.com.