CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Oct 22nd Manual Cinema & About Face Theatre
Posted by Joe on October 16, 2012
That's Weird Grandma TWG Weekly Update Touring Performances
CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA on Oct 22nd will feature Manual Cinema & About Face Theatre
You: Tell me about About Face Theatre.
Molly: About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world.
Additionally, About Face has a well-established Youth Theater that was created as a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning young people and their allies to tell their stories and create community. The exclusion of queer history and dialogue from schools, and the consistent discrimination and violence suffered by queer youth are the most immediate problems About Face Youth Theatre addresses with their multi-tiered programming. This program is empowering at all levels. Not only do participants enjoy the opportunity to express themselves artistically, they are also integrally involved in the program planning. This is a vital part of our community, and I am very proud that About Face offers this to the young people of Chicago.
You: What will About Face bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: I attended their rehearsal for “Monster Mash” by Ethan B. from Paderewski Elementary on Tuesday. It is absolutely hilarious and sweet and polished and has a musical montage. Fantastic Chicago stage veterans Mitchell Fain and Scott Duff joining the young and talented Philip Dawkins in this adaptation. This trio of AFT Artistic Associates brings a tight performance that explores the challenges of relationships, and what comes of getting stuck with someone. The even balance of professional chops and unbridled joy is something I have come to enjoy from About Face productions, and I am thrilled for our audience to see it!
You: How else can I experience About Face Theatre Company if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: This year’s Holiday spectacular is “We Three Lizas”, a surprising holiday musical sure to please! Receive more information on this show and upcoming events!
You: Tell me about Manual Cinema.
Molly: Manual Cinema is a collaboration between puppeteers/graphic artists Julia Miller, Drew Dir and Sarah Fornace, with musician/composers Kyle Vegter and Ben Kauffman. Their process combines handmade shadow puppetry, cinematic motifs, and live sound manipulation to create immersive theatrical stories. Their tools are paper, acetate, ink, light, air pressure, and overhead projectors. They love dreamscapes, landscapes, sound-scapes, feet, hands, space, small delicate sounds, and animating the inanimate.
You: What will Manual Cinema bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Manual Cinema creates in a way that is very different from Barrel of Monkeys, and I am excited to see their adaptation of “Hair Fear!!!!!” by Sheriff N., Dixon Elementary. It will be lovely to have something so highly technical on our stage!
You: How else can I experience Manual Cinema if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: Manual Cinema will be presenting the World Premiere of Lula Del Ray at the Den Theatre, November 29-December 16. Receive more information!
Get tickets today to join in on the fun!