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Published on-line, October 29:“Artaud’s Daughters in New Media Culture”
The Américo Paredes Center for Cultural Studies presents a talk by Theatre & Dance PhD student Heather Barfield.Monday, November 3, 12-1pm
E. P. Schoch building – EPS 1.128 University of Texas at Austin
Austin theater company Rubber Repertory is pushing the limits of theater and live performance into the 21st century. In their latest production, The Casket of Passing Fancy, they ardently integrate interactivity without apology. “You must choose,” demands the Duchess who sits at the helm of the parlor. You must take your chances and honor the infinite possibilities of presence and liveness; you decide whether you want a tame or taboo offer; you initiate the transaction by raising your hand. You realize there is a precipice to pass behind those curtains: what will happen to you is a mystery that pumps adrenaline through your excited body. You must shed some fear about human-to-human contact, stranger-to-stranger relations, in order to fully engage the senses and take pleasure (or pain) in the performance made just for you. You are thrust from complacent and passive spectatorship.
This production astutely captures the essence of Antonin Artaud’s manifestos on “cruel theater” practices. Also, because the performances are individual and personal, they are performed only once, aligning with Peggy Phelan’s arguments about the ephemeral nature of performance. Taboos are temporarily suspended for the sake of pleasure and fetishistic notions of experiencing something “new.” This theater offers a radical and unique twist on notions of representation and mimesis in live performance.
Heather Barfield is a PhD Candidate in Theater and Dance with an emphasis on Performance as Public Practice. She has been an active player in Austin theater for over 15 years.
[Click for further info from the ALT listing of The Casket of Passing Fancy]
UPDATE: Barry Pineo describes his experience, Austin Chronicle of October 24
UPDATE: Jeanne Claire van Ryzin's three questions for Matt Hislope, October 15
UPDATE: SaraMarie's review from Austinist.com, ca. October 14
UPDATE: Review in the Austin 360 (Austin Statesman) by Joey Siler, October 13
UPDATE: Rubber Rep blog with images and postings of the offers chosen to date, performed and then discarded
Pre-opening article by Wayne Allen Brenner in the Austin Chronicle, October 9, including interview with show organizers Josh Meyer and Matt Hislope
Received on September 20 - -
"The Rubber Repertory presents The Casket of Passing Fancy October 10 - November 1, Thursdays - Sundays at 8:00 p.m.
at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Rd. East Austin
"At last! The Duchess is ready to make her offers, and a lifetime of regret is on the line. In this dizzyingly intricate new production, Rubber Repertory sets out to do nothing less than fulfill every audience member's deepest desire."
"The rules of the game are simple. Those who dare to sit in the Duchess's parlour will be given the chance to claim one of 500 remarkable experiences. Pick one, pick wisely, come early, play often: Once an offer has been accepted, it will be eliminated from the show forever."
"Over a year in the making, The Casket of Passing Fancy combines elements of Victorian parlour games, performance art, and live auctions to create a show that will be different for everyone who attends. You may find yourself exploring an unconscionable taboo or reveling in the beauty of the mundane. Your experience may last 5 minutes or 50 years. Your choice may bring pain or pleasure, sickness or health, sweetness or sour."
"All that's certain is that some will win, and some will lose, but no one will emerge unchanged."
"Featuring Carlos Treviño, Kris Olson, Thomas Graves, Joe Hartman, Silky Shoemaker, Matt Hislope, Paul Soileau, Rebecca Beegle, Michelle Flanagan, Taylor Flanagan, Heather Barfield Cole, and Jennifer Underwood as 'The Duchess.' "
"This show is made possible through generous support from the Rockefeller Foundation MAP Fund."
"NOTE: No one under 18 years old will be admitted."
"Tickets: Order online at brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006. YOU PICK YOUR PRICE: $15-$25. Only 30 seats per night. Advance purchase recommended. Info Line (512) 470-1735"
"Website http://www.rubberrep.org
Contact Josh Meyer (512) 470-1735
rubberrep@gmail.com"
Organizers Josh Meyer and Matt Hislope (Photo by Celesta Danger, published in Austin Chronicle of October 9)
