If you crave theatre that surprises rather than performances that simply satisfy, stay tuned to the lineup of events being devised this summer by that impresaria of the unexpected, Pooja Ru Prema and her Rogue Angel Theatre ensemble.
Variously, they will take place in a field – a solo performance –, on a thoroughfare – during a holiday –, a formal dinner on a hilltop – everyone dressed in white –, in an elevator.
And, of course, there are her “Living Room Theatre” productions that pop up unexpectedly in alleys, what she describes as opportunities for “stand-up comedy.”
But it is the play set in an elevator that is current focus of Pooja’s considerable energy and imagination. She’s written and will direct this multidimensional, multisensory, multidisciplinary production entitled, appropriately, “The Lift,” that will be presented in Pittsfield on June 18 through 21, and June 25 through 28, with two shows a night. The site – a warehouse at 703 West Housatonic St. – can accommodate an audience of only 20 at a time.
“ ‘The Lift’ is a play about love,” she explained during a conversation on the terrace of the Coop Market in Great Barrington. “At the end of the day, it’s about what it means to be human, and that most tender, human vulnerability. It is emanation theater.”
The cast consists of six actors, with musical accompaniment by piano, upright base, and saw.
“The play is dance centric,” Pooja notes, “but there are also film montages by Serigo Rico. Really, I’m a collage artist. I like to harness the juiciest materials from the lives of the ensemble.”
This production is sponsored by Blue Q and Mass Live Arts, but Pooja has also engaged an Indiegogo.com campaign to raise the necessary funds.
“We’re the only company that’s doing original, collaborative, site specific theater that’s local, live and outrageous,” she said. “And when you support us, you support all independent artists.”
But this particular play has other roots as well.
“This play is very personal to me, and to each of us creating it,” she went on. “Yet it is also universal and, I hope, evokes a kind of honest human vulnerability that is rare in these times. If it’s not a risk, then what’s the point? If it’s not for love, then why?”
For information on this play and on the Rogue Angel Theatre, or to contribute to this production, click here.
