Saturday, June 28, 6 - 8pm
Click here to RSVP for the performance.
The Pla[y/n] for Reparation$ is an interactive performance by Eric Avery, welcoming people who are curious to learn about, discuss, envision, and practice individual and collective healing. Upon entering the space audience members will be presented a series of Yes/No questions, and like a decision tree or choose-your-own-adventure book each response sends individuals further down a branching path that will sort participants into distinct groups based on their identity, opinions, and willingness to participate in the event. This consent forward approach to performance grants audiences agency in defining the experience they want concerning an exploration of reparations. The project utilizes the California Reparations Report to help inform the content and guide the structure. The first three topics being explored are: HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT, & WELLNESS.
If you're curious about collective/individual healing, experimental performance, or both you're in the right place. The Pla[y/n] for Reparation$: OPEN REHEARSALS are a place where you can dip a toe into the development process, meet the artist, and discover more about yourself.
OPEN REHEARSALS begin with the artist sharing goals for the session, learning who is in the room, and warming up. Eventually, you may be asked to participate in the performance by answering a question, doing a simple task, sharing an opinion, etc. This is a new experimental work in development, so there are many unknowns and these OPEN REHEARSALS will help illuminate the path forward.
Eric Avery is an interdisciplinary artist and cultural organizer with over eighteen years of professional experience in theatre, interactive performance, and community-based projects. Since 2018, they have focused on applying a reparationist framework to their creative practice, organizing projects, and life. This dedication to relationship-centered process has put Avery in partnership with non-profit organizations, municipalities, social service agencies, universities, farms, community centers, prisons, art galleries, and private homes. In addition to collaborations, Avery has independently created over 25 original productions. They earned a Bachelor's in Theatre & Film from the University of Kansas and an MFA in Theatre Arts from Towson University. Honors/Awards: Bessie Award (Outstanding Visual Design), Lavender Magazine Best of List (Outstanding Performance), Elliot Norton Award (Outstanding Design), 2024 MAP Grant Awardee, Zellerbach: Community Arts, East Bay Fund for Artists, Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency, TBA CA$H Grant, and more.
