Stream “20/20” Online: A Presidential Re-Election Play Where You Decide the Future

Audience Testimonial: “Thanks to you and the troupe for presenting your thought-provoking 20/20. I continue with afternoon reveries, mostly of ways that decentralized revolution can happen. There’s rich fodder for me in several other scenarios. Blessing and thanks, Watersnake”

Media Coverage: Associated Press / Mercury News listed the 20/20 video as one of their Streaming Picks on May 14, 2020: 
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-mercury-news/20200514/283991834467994

For immediate release:

Media Contact: Stardust Doherty, theatre-makers@ritualart.org

Released on May 6, 2020

20/20: A Presidential Re-Election Play Where You Decide the Future
Now Available for Streaming Online!

What happens if the President is re-elected? In 20/20, a play by Theatre Makers, the answer is up to the audience. 20/20 is now available as a series of ten videos you can stream online from the comfort of your home at http://ritualart.org/2020/video

Developed by grassroots company Theatre Makers20/20 combines speculative fiction and political satire in a work from co-writers Stardust Doherty and Kari Barclay. What would happen if the President were impeached? (that scenario came true!) If a corporation or the military staged a coup? If San Francisco became an independent country? A diverse cast of new talent performs roles ranging from dissident Muni drivers to frantic tech CEOs to new-age cult leaders to the President himself. With comedy and depth, the show asks how our current political situation will shake out.

20/20 engages audience participation around the events of our day, highlighting social, political, economic, and environmental change (SPEEC) themes to fuel co­ creation of our collective future,” said co writer Stardust Doherty.

“The world is full of possibility,” said co-writer Kari Barclay. “We’ve taken 20/20 to extremes of utopia and dystopia, and I’m excited to see which scenarios the audience chooses for the actors to perform.”

The “20/20 Video” is a series of videos documenting the play’s award-winning original presentation at the 2019 San Francisco Fringe Festival.

Show Synopsis: The year is 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, the economy is in meltdown. In this satirical participatory performance, audience members choose the scenarios to stage: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? 20/20 asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing has consequences.

Theatre Makers provides common ground for diverse communities to collaborate on, incubate, and stage both newly created and historically relevant audience-participatory plays based on social, political, economic, and environmental change (SPEEC) themes. The project welcomes those interested in dramatic and musical theatre, professional and amateur theater, commercial and non-profit theatre, including non-traditional theatrical events (performance art, street theater, pop-up theatre, home theatre, puppet shows, etc.) with activities including, for example:

  • Discussions of all aspects of theatre creation and production
  • Exchanging information on opportunities available
  • Collaboration on incubating audience participatory plays and musicals based on social, political, economic, and environmental change (SPEEC) themes​
  • Workshops of plays and musicals under development
  • Readings and staged readings of plays and musicals for educational and motivational purposes

Theatre Makers particularly fosters events that are inclusive and affirming of people based on class, race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, age, and other identities. 

Theatre Makers is a project of the Ritual Art Troupe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and developing multi-disciplinary arts, including conception, investigation, development, production, and sharing of musical, dance, visual, theatrical, cinematic, and literary works with special attention to conserving our cultural heritage, serving a wide range of audiences, and encouraging creators and creations from diverse communities.

20/20 Video: http://ritualart.org/2020/video

20/20 Fringe Show Info and Graphics: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/2019/09/16/20-20-at-the-fringe/

Review of Original Production: https://theatrius.com/2019/09/14/20-20-envisions-post-trump-future-at-s-f-fringe-festival/

20/20 SF Free Library Tour: http://ritualart.org/2020

Theatre Makers: http://ritualart.org/theatremakers/

Ritual Art Troupe: http://ritualart.org/mission/

Donate: http://ritualart.org/donate 

This Release: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/?p=2398

For interviews, inquiries, and more info, please contact:
Stardust Doherty at theatre makers@ritualart.org

For Calendar Editors

What20/20: A Presidential Re-Election Play Where You Decide the Future

When/Where: Anytime from the comfort of your home at http://ritualart.org/2020/video

Ticketing: All performances free of charge and open to the public

20/20 Video

Theatre Makers is pleased to present a video collection of the 20/20 play as performed at the 2019 San Francisco Fringe Festival. The collection starts with the Prologue / Act I / Decision Point video. At the Decision Point, viewers may choose to view one of the eight scenario videos or the Coda / End Credits video. See the Assassination Disclaimer below.

You can choose the 20/20 Video playlist:

20/20 Video Playlist

Or you can choose the videos of the eight scenarios and Coda / End Credits one by one below:

Prologue / Act I / Decision Point
Decentralized Revolution Scenario
Assassination Scenario
General Strike Scenario
Impeachment Scenario
Military Coup Scenario
Corporate Coup Scenario
Electoral Progress Scenario
Do Nothing Scenario
Coda / End Credits

.

Assassination Disclaimer:

The writers expressly denounce the assassination of political figures and intend the fictional Assassination scenario in the “20/20” play to discourage any such actions. During these politically polarized times, we have noticed a trend on left and right to direct animus toward individual figures and to imagine that violence against individuals would solve shared political woes, when the truth is that such strategies or tactics would only cause a strong reaction of repressive laws and human rights abuses, rather than constructive political change. Out of concern for human life and for our collective power, we oppose true-life assassinations and present them here merely in the context of fiction to channel those impulses harmlessly in a sort of catharsis for those daydreaming about such possibilities.

20/20 at the Fringe

Video: Check out our 20/20 video at http://ritualart.org/2020/video and also our preview video.
20/20: Winner of Fringe Sold Out Award (San Francisco Fringe Festival 2019
Audience Testimonial: “Thanks to you and the troupe for presenting your thought-provoking 20/20. I continue with afternoon reveries, mostly of ways that decentralized revolution can happen. There’s rich fodder for me in several other scenarios. Blessing and thanks, Watersnake”
Review: Excellent review from Theatrius.
Media Coverage: Associated Press / Mercury News listed the 20/20 video as one of their Streaming Picks on May 14, 2020: 
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-mercury-news/20200514/283991834467994
Opening Night: a big success with the audience choosing the Assassination and Decentralized Revolution scenarios!
Second Show: smaller crowd choosing the Impeachment, Assassination, and General Strike scenarios.
Third Show: a rowdy crowd choosing the Assassination and Decentralized Revolution scenarios.
Fourth Show: a great crowd choosing the Decentralized Revolution and General Strike scenarios.
Info: Media Release

Actors/Crew: please go here.

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? “20/20” asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

“20/20”, co-written by Kari Barclay and Stardust Doherty, is scheduled for four performances only during the San Francisco Fringe Festival.

Showtimes:
SAT SEPT 7 6:30 PM (SOLD OUT advance tickets)
SUN SEPT 8 2:00 PM
WED SEPT 11 8:30 PM
SAT SEPT 14 5:00 PM
BONUS SHOW & PARTY: SUN SEPT 15 2:00PM
Chart of Tickets Sold to 20/20 Play by Show Date
201 total tickets sold (163 of 240 advance tickets sold, 38 tickets sold at the door, 12 comps)(Ticket sales table updated September 16, 2019.)

Tickets: $13 cash in person if available one half hour before show (arrive early to get in line) OR
$15.99 online (no longer on sale)
Advanced purchase recommended due to limited seating.

Tickets for Bonus Show & Party: (no longer on sale)

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/450405595516289/

Location: EXIT Theatre, 156 Eddy St, San Francisco

Cast and Crew Headshots and Bios: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/2019/06/18/20-20-play-actor-crew-bios/

20/20 Show Photos and Videos: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/2019/07/31/20-20-photos/

We are seeking costumers, set designers, painters, prop makers, roadies, sound and light crew, funders, venue staff, sign language interpreters (ASL), and other volunteers to stage this new play.

Please volunteer, donate funds, or donate venue, food, materials or equipment to make this show possible!

Thanks to our show donors: Stardust, Brad, Anonymous 1, Matt, and Anonymous 2.

Thanks to our in-kind donor:

Arizmendi logoAwesome worker-owned pizzeria and bakery for yummy vegan pastries and bread to nourish our actors and crew for rehearsals.
20/20 Play Cast & Crew Photo
20/20 Play Cast & Crew Photo

Activities:

Playwrights Circle reading and critique session of “20/20” at the Ingleside Branch Library in San Francisco on May 21, 2019.

Auditions held on May 31, June 1, June 3, and June 7. More info: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/2019/05/24/20-20-play-casting-notice-for-sf-auditions-on-may-31-june-1-deadline-may-28/

Cast Callback / Party at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Sunday, June 16.

First rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 9.

Second rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, July 13.

Third rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 16.

Fourth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, July 20.

Fifth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 23.

Sixth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, July 27.

Seventh rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 30.

Eighth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 3.

Ninth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 6.

Maker Party for Props/Sets at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 10.

Tenth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 10.

Eleventh rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 13.

Maker Party for Props/Sets at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 17.

Twelfth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 17.

Thirteenth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 20.

Maker Party for Props/Sets at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 24.

Fourteenth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 24.

Fifteenth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 27.

Maker Party for Props/Sets at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 31.

Sixteenth rehearsal at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Saturday, August 31.

Maker Party for Props/Sets at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Monday, September 2.

Seventeenth rehearsal (Tech Rehearsal) at EXIT Theatre in San Francisco on Tuesday, September 3.

Eighteenth rehearsal (Final Dress Rehearsal) at Stardust’s home in San Francisco on Friday, September 6.

20/20 Play: Preview Video

Last chance to see “20/20” at the SF Fringe Festival is 5:00pm on Saturday, September 14, 156 Eddy Street, San Francisco.

Tix: https://20-20.brownpapertickets.com (or 30 minutes before showtime at the door)

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? “20/20” asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

“20/20” will have four performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 7-14, plus a possible bonus performance on September 15, 2019.

Show info and tickets: http://www.ritualart.org/2020

20/20 Cast & Crew at EXIT Theatre

20/20 Cast & Crew in front of the EXIT Theatre in San Francisco
20/20 Cast & Crew in front of the EXIT Theatre in San Francisco

Last chance to see “20/20” at the SF Fringe Festival is 5:00pm on Saturday, September 14, 156 Eddy Street, San Francisco.

Tix: https://20-20.brownpapertickets.com (or 30 minutes before showtime at the door)

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? “20/20” asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

“20/20” will have four performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 7-14, plus a possible bonus performance on September 15, 2019.

Show info and tickets: http://www.ritualart.org/2020

Actor Ryan Samarakoon on 20/20 Play from Theatre Makers

Actor Ryan Samarakoon shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the “20/20” play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? “20/20” asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

“20/20” will have four performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 7-14, plus a possible bonus performance on September 15, 2019.

Show info and tickets: http://www.ritualart.org/2020

Actor Matt on 20/20 Play from Theatre Makers

Actor Matt shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? 20/20 asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

20/20 will have four performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 7-14, plus a possible bonus performance on September 15, 2019.

Show info and tickets: http://www.ritualart.org/2020

Actor Nadeem Anjum on 20/20 Play from Theatre Makers

Actor Nadeem Anjum shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

It’s the year 2020. The President has been re-elected, the climate is heating up, and the economy is in meltdown. Now, it’s up to all of us to figure out what happens next. In this 60-minute satirical participatory performance, audience members choose from a list of possible scenarios they want staged: impeachment? a coup? a revolution? 20/20 asks what people power looks like in a time of vast uncertainty when even choosing to do nothing at all has its consequences.

20/20 will have four performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 7-14, plus a possible bonus performance on September 15, 2019.

Show info and tickets: http://www.ritualart.org/2020

20/20 Photos and Videos

20/20 Cast & Crew in front of the EXIT Theatre in San Francisco
20/20 Play Cast & Crew Photo
20/20 Play Cast & Crew Photo

Actor David-Henry Bennett shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Co-writer and director Stardust shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Geeta Rai shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Hima Menon shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the “20/20” play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Jess Thompson shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Nadeem Anjum shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Matt shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Actor Ryan Samarakoon shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the “20/20” play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

Co-writer Kari Barclay shares thoughts and feelings in this video about the 20/20 play from the Theatre Makers project of the Ritual Art Troupe.

20/20 Play Character Anna in a trenchcoat wearing a pussy hat and carrying a rocket launcher
20/20 Play Character Anna with pussy hat, trench coat, and rocket launcher
20/20 Play Actors Jess Thompson, Hima Menon, Ryan Samarakoon, and Nadeem Anjum, on a well-deserved vegan meal break from rehearsals
20/20 Play: Assassin Choking President
20/20 Play: Rehearsal of Assassin Choking President
20/20 Play: Assassin Choking President
20/20 Play: Rehearsal of Assassin Choking President

Show info: http://ritualart.org/2020/
Buy tickets: https://20-20.brownpapertickets.com

EXIT Theatre Load-In

The street entrance of the EXIT Theatre. There is a no parking zone in front of the theater, but according to the House Manager, no one ever seems to get ticketed for parking there. If no parking is available, then one can double-park and unload with someone monitoring the vehicle and its contents.

The street entrance doorway of the EXIT Theatre. All sets, props, etc., will have to fit through this doorway.

The path for loading in sets, props, costumes, actors, and crew up to the doorway entrance of the main stage at the EXIT Theatre in San Francisco.

The path for loading in sets, props, costumes, actors, and crew from the doorway entrance of the theater into the main stage at the EXIT Theatre in San Francisco.

View of the main stage of the EXIT Theatre from the audience.