20/20: A Presidential Re-Election Play Where You Decide the Future Coming to San Francisco Public Libraries on February 29 & March 1!

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 will be presented as part of the San Francisco Public Library’s “SF by the Bay” science fiction and fantasy celebration. Performances are free of charge on February 29 at 10:30am at the Bernal Branch Library (500 Cortland Avenue), February 29 at 3:00pm at the Richmond Branch Library (351 9th Avenue), and March 1 at 2:00pm at the Main Public Library (400 Larkin Street, Latino/Hispanic Community Room), in San Francisco.

Developed by grassroots company Theatre Makers, 20/20 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 Free Library Tour” is a revival of 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.

More Show Info and Graphics: http://ritualart.org/2020
Preview Video of Original Production: http://ritualart.org/2020/preview
Review of Original Production: https://theatrius.com/2019/09/14/20-20-envisions-post-trump-future-at-s-f-fringe-festival/
Theatre Makers: http://ritualart.org/theatremakers/
Ritual Art Troupe: http://ritualart.org/mission/
This Release: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/?p=2153 (PDF available)

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: February 29 at 10:30am at the Bernal Branch Library (500 Cortland Avenue), February 29 at 3:00pm at the Richmond Branch Library (351 9th Avenue), and March 1 at 2:00pm at the Main Public Library (400 Larkin Street, Latino/Hispanic Community Room), in San Francisco

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

You Too Media Release

For immediate release:
Media Contact: Stardust Doherty
theatre-makers@ritualart.org

Woman-Directed Play Called “You Too” Addresses #metoo Movement
Performances November 9 in Fremont, November 14-15 in Oakland

Developed by grassroots company Theatre Makers, “You Too” is a new play about abuse, the #metoo controversy, and hope for the future. The play revolves around modern-day issues, such as women’s rights, double standards in politics, the role of the media, and the personal stories of our characters.

Theatre Makers will present a limited run of “You Too” at 7:00pm on November 9 at the Fremont Community Center and at 8:00pm on November 14 and 15 at the First Unitarian Church in Oakland.

Produced by the Theatre Makers project of Ritual Art Troupe, a small non-profit organization, the play employs a diverse cast of actors and creative personnel living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Iryna Lymar will direct the play, which she co-wrote with Stardust Doherty.

“Writing ‘You Too’ and working with the actors has been a process of exploration, collaboration and liberation,” commented Director and Co-Writer Iryna Lymar. “Sharing ‘You Too’ with the audience may be the most powerful and healing experience of all.”

“I’m happy to portray a difficult story of abuse and harassment in the ‘You Too’ production,” said actor Courtney Hartman. “We believe that ‘You Too’ will inspire others to tell their stories, to realize they are not alone, and to heal from the trauma of abuse.”

“A play like ‘You Too’ provides a productive forum for discussion of sensitive issues around harassment and abuse which are otherwise quite challenging to approach in public spaces,” said Bindu Fernandes, Executive Director of Narika, a community partner organization devoted to helping domestic violence survivors with advocacy, support, and education.

“Portraying the issues we face with our domestic violence clients in a theatrical setting gives those facing harassment and abuse a chance to experience solidarity with others, as well as providing audiences with much-needed information and resources”, said Yasi Safinya-Davies, Executive Director of SAVE, a community partner organization serving clients with knowledge and support needed to break the cycle of  domestic violence and build healthier lives.

Just after the play, we invite the audience to join us for a live panel discussion with the director/playwright, cast members, and representatives from the two nonprofit organizations — SAVE and Narika. Audience members will be able to ask questions (confidentially if they prefer) and get the latest info on both the play and the resources available for victims of workplace harassment and domestic violence.

Show Synopsis: “You Too” is a new play about abuse, the #metoo controversy, and hope for the future. The play revolves around modern-day issues, such as women’s rights, double standards in politics, the role of the media, and the personal stories of our characters.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Adult language, scenes of domestic and work abuse, and simulations of slapping and harassment. No nudity. Parents, please consider the maturity level of your teenager before bringing them to the play — no pre-teens please.

More Show Info and Graphics: http://ritualart.org/youtoo
Actor/Crew Bios & Headshots: http://ritualart.org/youtoo/bios/

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. Theatre Makers activities include:

  • 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. More info about Theatre Makers: http://ritualart.org/theatremakers/

Theatre Makers is a project of the Ritual Art Troupe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and developing inclusive, participatory, community-based arts. More info about Ritual Art Troupe: http://ritualart.org 

Narika is a local domestic violence intervention and prevention organization serving immigrant and vulnerable survivors of domestic violence through free counseling, safety planning, legal consultations and referrals, economic empowerment and wellness programs. Helpline 1-800-215-7308. For more information, please check out www.narika.org and follow us on www.facebook.com/NarikaBayArea

SAVE‘s mission is to strengthen every individual and family we serve with the knowledge and support needed to break the cycle of domestic violence and build healthier lives. 24-Hour Hotline (510) 794-6055. More info about SAVE: https://save-dv.org

This Release: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/?p=1711

This Release (PDF): http://ritualart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/10/You_Too.media-release.20191008.pdf

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

For Calendar Editors

What: You Too: A Woman-Directed Play About Abuse, the #metoo Controversy, and Hope for the Future

When: 7:00pm on November 9 (Fremont), 8:00pm on November 14 and 15 (Oakland)

Where: Fremont Community Center, 40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 (November 9), 
First Unitarian Church in Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612 (November 14-15).

Tickets general admission $20 (Healing) or front-row seats for $50 (Wellness) 
(All Tickets Advance Purchase Only, No Tickets at the Door): 
https://ritualart.ticketspice.com/you-too-play

Facebook event page links: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/924634101234213/ (Fremont)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1123695837826513/ (Oakland)

20/20 Media Release

For immediate release:
Media Contact: Stardust Doherty
theatre-makers@ritualart.org
Fringe Festival contact: Nicole Gluckstern
publicist@sffringe.org

20/20: A Presidential Re-Election Play Where You Decide the Future
Coming to the 2019 San Francisco Fringe Festival on September 7, 8, 11, 14!

What happens if the President is re-elected? In 20/20, a new play by Theatre Makers, the answer is up to the audience. 20/20 will be presented as part of the 28th annual San Francisco Fringe Festival. Performances are on September 7 at 6:30pm, September 8 at 2:00pm, September 11 at 8:30pm, and September 14 at 5:00pm at the EXIT Theatre (mainstage), 156 Eddy St, in San Francisco.

Developed by grassroots company Theatre Makers, 20/20 combines speculative fiction and political satire in a new work from co-writers Stardust Doherty and Kari Barclay. What would happen if the President were impeached? 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.”

Actor Jess Thompson (Anna) commented, “Being on stage gives me a lot of energy, but I’m also excited to be merging that with social justice.”

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 a common ground for 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.

Now celebrating its 28th season, the San Francisco Fringe Festival is produced by EXIT Theatre and is the oldest grassroots theatre festival in the Bay Area, and the second-oldest Fringe Festival in the US. The festival is part of a global Fringe community, and is run in accordance with CAFF (Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals) principles, including non-curated, unjuried show selection, and 100% of ticket sales going to the artists. In all, 21 unique productions will be performed in EXIT Theatre—at 156 Eddy Street—from September 5-14, 2019.

More Show Info and Graphics: http://ritualart.org/2020
Actor/Crew Bios & Headshots: http://ritualart.org/2020/bios/

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

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

This Release: http://ritualart.org/wordpress/?p=952
This Release (PDF): http://ritualart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/07/2020.media-release.20190709.pdf

For interviews, inquiries, and more info, please contact:
Stardust Doherty at theatre-makers@ritualart.org or Nicole Gluckstern at publicist@sffringe.org

For Calendar Editors

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

When: September 7 at 6:30pm, September 8 at 2:00pm, September 11 at 8:30pm, and September 14 at 5:00pm

Where: EXIT Theatre (mainstage), 156 Eddy St., SF, 94102; 415-673-3847; www.sffringe.org

Ticketing: $13 ($15.99 online). Tickets available at the door 30 minutes before curtain. Show starts on time with no late seating. Frequent Fringer passes are also available at the Fringe hospitality desk during the festival.

Advance Ticket link: https://20-20.brownpapertickets.com

Facebook event page link: https://www.facebook.com/events/450405595516289/