Courtesy graphic
Remember going out to see shows? Sigh. That was fun.
And while large-scale performances inside a local theater might not be possible at the moment, seeing a local show isn’t totally out of the question, thanks to a new show by a local company.
Local experimental theatre company ArkansasStaged today announced a new show called Curbside Theatre, which will bring the theatre experience right to the comfort of your font yard.
The show, conceived by ArkansasStaged Artistic Director Laura Shatkus, has been described “like pizza delivery, but better for the heart.”
From the press release announcing the new show:
The play was inspired by the idea of a “theatrical care package” and the deep belief in the power of art to heal. Given the need to adapt and change in the time of social distancing, the play is performed on curbsides, facing your front door, outside of your kitchen window, or in your backyard — always observing the rules of social distancing — with the goal of making you laugh, engaging your sense of wonder, and bringing you hope in absurd times. Each performance will be customized and staged with your particular dwelling in mind through a pre-show consultation.
The show is written and performed by Shatkus, along with Michael Bell, Mischa Hutchings, and Kholoud Sawaf with contributions from Adrienne Dawes.
“We wanted to find a safe way to continue to bring the healing power of live theatre to a new world,” Shatkus said. “Curbside Theatre was born out of a desire to innovate, make art, and send a ‘theatrical care package’ to our community.”
The show is intended to be family-friendly, and takes the audience on a “whimsical, interstellar journey with a space traveller in the realms of the mind and the heart,” according to the description, with “dance, music, and the heroic hygiene of a fastidious clown.”
The players plan to perform about 30 shows from June 15-July 30. The show runs about 30-45 minutes, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anyone can book their own private performance for themselves, or for others at curbsidetheatre.com. The performances are free and supported by donations from the community, but a suggested donation to a tax-deductible online fundraiser is recommended.
For more information, visit curbsidetheatre.com.
