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A workshop production of a new play by SOSE's talented resident playwright
Earlier this very year, both Terri Schiavo (who many believe was in her coma due to the adverse effects of bulimia) and Pope John Paul II were on feeding tubes, their bodies struggling to remain upon this earthly plane with the aid of nutrient enriched substances pumped through plastic tubing into their throats and stomachs. BARE uses this fact as a jumping off point to weave a tale which explores all the ways we choose to disappear, disintegrate and dissolve in order to be recognized, to be seen, to have impact, to be loved in this bumping into each other without really connecting world. In the world of BARE, however, the feeding tubes have been replaced by beating hearts which are eaten, consumed, sometimes regurgitated and chopped into many pieces. Throughout the play, a hungry grizzly bear appears, refusing to give into his/her natural instincts, refusing, much like Terri, to eat, in the hopes that someone, anyone, will see him for what he is - an animal in need of friends.
Production Staff
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Written by Directed by Production Manager Publicist Graphic Design by |
Aaron Henne Don Boughton Adam H. Greene Ray Paolantonio Adam Simon |
Cast
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April Theresa Bare Band Sylvia Bear Pope Sam |
Hilary Allison Bauman Sarah Boughton Nicole Feenstra Dawn Hillman Edgar Landa Michael Nehring Ben Sharples |
*Member of Actor's Equity Association
Blog Entries & News
Aaron Dec 05
Yup, sure enough this past week was so insightful. Got to hear where the play sings, where it weeps, and where it leaves questions. Speaking of questions, would love to see any comments about the piece, from you, our loyal partners, patrons and company members. Part of this process has been about sitting with the audience and experiencing the passion, the anger, the sadness and, yes, the bewilderment that BARE illicits. I invite any of you to join the discussion. Looking forward to another three performances.
Barf. Burp. Beep. Boom.
Aaron Nov 29
Tonight we open this workshop production and the swaddled baby gets unwrapped - pulled from warm cloth into the cold night air. As a step in an ongoing process, I look forward to sitting with the audience and hearing their reactions, experiencing their excitements, confusions, angers and passions. The lessons keep coming and I expect another strong one this eve.
See you there - Together we will dine on fresh hearts.
BOOM BOOM.
Aaron Nov 22
my perfectionism...Tweak, tweak, adjust, twirl, spin, double loop and back flip. The piece is just about there. I find myself being compulsive over single words (Should that be a "the" or an "a") in an attempt to allow the greatest truth to spew forth. It's actually a bit of a relief to be at this point in the process - where small details are now the focus. I really appreciate both Michael's and Edgar's comments - Their work has helped me find the logic of the piece. Scenes I wasn't sure worked have been illuminated for me by actors and a director, who are willing to bend over backward to find the reasoning behind each and every moment. Their truthfulness has stopped the play from cheating. Instead, it's dogged, merciless really. Tonight, I'm going to be looking at one scene in particular - It contains an emotional core I find intriguing, but it may detract from the journey of the piece. It may be a breather, a calm before the coming storm, that takes the air out of what follows.
A few days off are coming - Turkey leading to satiated sleep - Then return well-rested, ready to invite an audience to see what we have found together.
Beep.
Chomp.
Barf.
Edgar Nov 21
I am a bear that bares himself as he is barely able to contain his natural instinct. And I dance with the Pope! HA!
As Michael mentioned in one of the comments Aaron is a fine writer and his blog entries are an interesting insight into the cogs and wheels of his smoking brain.
I hope many people come see this workshop!
BARF.
BURP.
AMEN.
Aaron Nov 18
The home stretch. BARE exists as the final gasps of holding on to life - It is one long Last Rites Ritual and the Pope must administer the final prayers. Spent the day channeling Terri's final words, final release into oblivion. Tough stuff. When she says goodbye, not a dry eye in my house - well, my studio apartment anyway.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow's rehearsal brings - Want to hear the cast and Don dig into the new, tight shape of the piece and, since they are all familiar with what has been cut, bring that knowledge to the now spare text.
This process has taught me what this play is about. I only realized recently whose story this truly is and for that I am forever thankful.
Almost beating.
Beep. Boom.