CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Oct 29th The Hypocrites & J-Hud
Posted by Joe on October 23, 2012
That's Weird Grandma TWG Weekly Update Touring Performances
CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA on Oct 29th will feature The Hypocrites & J-Hud
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about The Hypocrites.
Molly: The Hypocrites began producing in 1997, creating strange and powerful and moving theatre. In their 15th Season, The Hypocrites are a steadfast member of the Chicago theatre community, presenting work that is engaging, challenging, and consuming. Their work encourages a visceral response in me, which has enormous value. They work at the audience from all angles, stabbing you in the brain and the heart and the guts. There are shows in which the audience is invited to move about during productions, “promenade” style. The Hypocrites’ shows are activating experiences.
You: What will The Hypocrites bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: The Hypocrites’ Artistic Director is Halena Kays. Halena Kays is leading The Hypocrites team in adapting their piece for Chicago’s Weird, Grandma. Halena Kays is the Co-Founder and Original Artistic Director of Barrel of Monkeys and creator of “That’s Weird, Grandma”. So, what we’ll have is the Return of the King. Needless to say, we are thrilled and humbled to have the lady who started it all to bring her new vision of AD of the Hypocrites to “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”.
This is something The Hypocrites say to their audience, and I am excited to have these core values on the Grandma stage:
Theater is Art
Do not be afraid.
Do not feel stupid.
People who make theater are artists.
The audiences who see theater are engaging in art.
You: How else can I experience the Hypocrites if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: In less than a month, you can see the return of their hit show “The Pirates of Penzance”, running in Rep with “The Mikado”, November 20-January 13. Discover The Hypocrites.
You: Tell me about Jessica “J-Hud” Hudson.
Molly: J-Hud is “so flippin’ thrilled” to be making a guest appearance with Barrel of Monkeys. She is a long-time fan of BOM. Jessica is a theatre-maker and teaching artist who has lived and worked in Chicago for 15 years. Jessica’s solo work blends the vocabularies of dance, theatre and physical theatre. She also likes to make things- like lightboxes and tiny flying machines and ridiculous choreography. However, Jessica is most happy in collaboration with others, both on the stage and in the classroom. On the stage, she has collaborated with opera-matic, Mucca Pazza, About Face Theatre, 500 Clown, the Chicago Kings, Double DJ and the Laboratory for the Development of Substitute Materials. In the classroom, Jessica collaborates with Chicago Public School teachers to integrate the performing arts into the classroom curriculum. She currently works as a teaching artist for Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago In 2010, Jessica won the 3Arts artist award as a teaching artist in theatre.
You: What will J-Hud bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Jessica has a gorgeous onstage presence, and can conjure characters that range from achingly tragic to side-splittingly funny. Having partnered with her in 500 Clown, About Face and the Madam Barker Show, I can attest to her many talents, her massive heart, and her constant search for truth onstage through character.
You: How else can I experience J-Hud if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: Jessica will appear with Mucca Pazza on Halloween Night. Discover Mucca Pazza.
See y’all at the show!
Reserve your spot today!