Bazaar Productions Announces 2008 Berkshire Fringe
Great Barrington - Bazaar Productions is delighted to announce the fourth annual Berkshire Fringe featuring groundbreaking original works of theater, dance and music by emerging artists from across the United States. The 2008 festival will take place from July 16 - August 4 in the Daniel Arts Center on the campus of Simon’s Rock.In addition to hosting six dynamic theater and dance artists, the action-packed three week festival also includes :30 Live!, a free pre-show music series featuring performances by seven sonic innovators; EarlyStages, a showcase of new plays by local young playwrights; Friday Films, a late night series of new films; and many other special events including post-show artist discussions and free community workshops.
The Fringe Theater movement spreading throughout Europe and the North America inspired Bazaar Productions co-founders Sara Katzoff, Peter Wise and Timothy Ryan Olson to bring new and innovative works for the stage to the Berkshire Community. Since 2005, Bazaar Productions/The Berkshire Fringe has hosted more than 100 emerging artists including theater companies, dance ensembles and music groups from across the country and around the corner. In 2008, this young and vibrant organization will once again present a diverse cross-section of high quality, inter-disciplinary theater, dance and music—all at affordable prices.
Kicking off the 2008 festival is Miracle Tomato. Hundreds of tomatoes fall from the sky in this traveling story of love, bioengineering and the search for home. Performer/Creator Jessica Cerullo recounts the rich and prolific history of the tomato in this sobering and hysterical comedy that examines cultivation, mass consumption, and the changing dynamics of food and family. Wed 7/16 8pm, Fri 7/18 9pm, Sat 7/19 7pm, Sun 7/20 8pm (post-show discussion).
Hailed as "Strong, deft, emotionally resonant theater" by The New York Times, US is a provocative and politically charged performance marrying text, song and virtuosic dance. Using rich theatricality and vigorous physicality, award winning creator/performer Alexandra Beller (former member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company) explores the relationship between a country and its citizens. The performance questions issues of morality, humanity, dissention and forgiveness. In order to inspire dialog surrounding the issues illuminated in the piece, each performance will be accompanied by an intimate post-show conversation with the artist. Thurs 7/17 8pm, Fri 7/18 7pm, Sat 7/19 9pm, Mon 7/21 8pm.
In this debut work of dance/theater by emerging choreographer Alexandria Yalj, The Obscure Equivocal Definite Meaning to Everything explores the distance and connections between people as seen through the topography created by two shifting doorways. Six powerhouse dancers open and close the doors, offering different vantage points that illuminate the patterns of behavior in which we are all confined. Wed 7/23 8pm (post show discussion), Thurs 7/24 8pm, Fri 7/25 8pm, Sat 7/26 at 7pm.
Under The Table Theater returns to The Berkshire Fringe presenting their newest comedy, The Only Friends We Have. Despite creative and sometimes violent efforts, dysfunctional friends Norma, Jonathon and Claudia are suffering from an unfortunate bed bug infestation. With lightning speed banter and a signature brand of outlandish shenanigans, the trio is both united and torn apart by their elusive enemy. As dreams are revealed and tension builds, the trio discovers that while they might have made their bed, they just can't seem to sleep in it! Fri 7/25 6pm, Sat 7/26 9pm, Sun 7/27 8pm (post show discussion), Mon 7/28 8pm.
Dedicated to challenging the nature of identity, the New York based Lynx Ensemble presents StellYY: the heartbreaking and optimistic story of Estella Rose Simone Rochester, the first child created from the genetic material of two men. When Stelly falls ill at the age of 12, she and her fathers become the focal point of a contentious culture war. A darkly comic and moving allegory, StellYY reveals not only the bonds that unite this family but what ultimately unifies all parents when faced with the uncertainty of the world beyond home. Wed 7/30 8pm, Fri 8/1 9pm, Sat 8/2 8pm (post show discussion), Sun 8/3 3pm.
Straight from Northampton, MA emerges the aggressively inventive and fabulously experimental company, The Missoula Oblongata. With a dozen eggs, an original musical score by the Seattle band TV Coahran, and an aquarium full of white yarn, The Last Hurrah of the Clementines is an unpredictable evening of crafted madness, eerie melodies and homegrown delights. Thu 7/31 8pm, Fri 8/1 7pm, Sun 8/3 8pm (post show discussion), Mon 8/4 8pm.
Friday Films:
The Chosen One is an allegory of romantic illnesses, seating itself coyly in the time-honored vampire/horror genre. Written and directed by award winning filmmaker Theodore Collatos, this beautifully shot black and white film draws inspiration in equal parts from European art film and campy B movies. The result is an aesthetic that encompasses sincerity as well as edgy sarcasm. Proudly produced by Berkshire talent, the film features many local actors and locations. Fri 7/18 10:30pm.
Rock That Uke: An Epic Evening of Tiny Music. Get a peek at human nature through a very tiny sound hole. For one night only The Berkshire Fringe hosts a very special concert and film event examining the four-stringed underdog of the music world and the mystical allure of the post-punk ukulele scene. Directed by Bill Robertson and narrated by actress Holly Hunter, this award winning documentary film will be accompanied by an exhilarating concert of live music by Uke players from across the globe. Fri 7/25 9pm.
EarlyStages:
On Sunday, July 27 at 12, 1:30 and 3pm participants in the EarlyStages playwright mentorship program will present staged readings of new works. This is the culmination of a two-week residency where emerging local writers develop scripts under the guidance of Emmy Award winning writer Laura Maria Censabella. This event is free and will be followed by a discussion with the artists.
:30 Live! - Free pre-show Music Series:
Sunday, July 20, 7pm FRAGILE
A three-way collaboration featuring a haunting live music score by composer Chris Marianetti, a striking video by Jonathan Vitagliano, and artwork re-assembled from sketchbooks and photographs damaged in Hurricane Katrina by Berkshire resident John Lawson.
Monday, July 21, 7pm ITSNOTYOUITSME
This little duo makes big sounds that will carry you away and make you cry... in a good way. Their new album Walled Gardens has been winning the hearts and ears of audiences and critics across the country. Caleb Burhans: electric violin/loops/voice, Grey McMurray: electric guitar/ loops. 7pm.
Sunday, July 27, 7pm
BUILD
Drawing on classical chamber music, art-rock, minimalism, electronic music, modal jazz, American fiddle music, and experimentalism, Build creates its own unique sound. Matt McBane: violin/compositions, Andrea Lee: cello, Mike Cassedy: piano/keyboard, Ben Campbell: bass, Adam Gold: drums.
Monday, July 28, 7pm
NEWSPEAK
Straddling the divide between rock band and chamber ensemble, Newspeak presents newly commissioned works of politically charged contemporary music. Mellissa Hughes: voice, Taylor Levine: guitar, David T. Little: drums, Eileen Mack: clarinets, Jim Johnston: synthesizer.
Sunday, August 3, 7pm
THE RED LIONS
Singer/songwriter Eric Margan’s unhurried melodies and subtle orchestrations are sweet and disarming. This accomplished multi-instrumentalist has been inspired by his time in the studio with folk and jazz heavy hitters Pete Seeger and David Amram. Eric Margan: Vocals/Guitar/Piano/ Flute/Musical Arrangements, Scott Kellerhouse: Bass, Jimmy Felter: Drums, Ernie Casile: Piano/Clarinet, Laura Carozza: Flute.
Monday, August 4, 7pm
TRISTAN PERICH
Composer, artist and inventor Tristan Perich works with simple forms and complex systems combining acoustic music with primitive, hand-programmed electronics. His 1-Bit music project investigates the foundations of digital sound. Tristan Perich: piano/1-bit music, Peter Wise: percussion.
Free Community Workshops
All workshops are FREE and take place on Saturdays at 1:30 pm in the Daniel Arts Center. Each workshop is taught by Berkshire Fringe artists and is open to participants of all backgrounds and levels of experience ages 16-96! Space is limited and early registration is strongly recommended.
Saturday, July 19
Movement/choreography workshop with acclaimed solo artist, dancer and choreographer, Alexandra Beller.
Saturday, July 26
Brooklyn based Under The Table Theatre will give a hands-on workshop in physical comedy, style and technique.
Saturday, August 2
The Northampton-based Missoula Oblongata teaches a workshop on collaborative playmaking.
General Information
All performances, events and workshops, take place at The Daniel Arts Center, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, 84 Alford Road in Great Barrington, MA. Tickets are $15 to main events. Ask our box office about a See3Pass - Three shows for $39. Workshops and :30 Live! performances are free. For directions, tickets, to register for workshops, and all other information please call (413) 320-4175, e-mail us at info@berkshirefringe.org or visit www.berkshirefringe.org.
