The Happenstance Theater quintet is developing a Theatrical Collage inspired by the works of Joseph Cornell.
Using the manipulation of objects, puppetry, physical theatre, theatrical clown, and vintage spectacle, we will conjure portals for the audience to engage their imaginations and build stories. It will not follow a linear narrative, but will instead be a series of highly visual vignettes woven together by a thematic thread and consistent historical aesthetic.
The piece will seek to unify the audience by illustrating our common humanity and reminding viewers of our universally shared condition, mortality. The hope is that through this theatrical journey, audiences might feel buoyed by the limitless possibilities of imagination.
Please note this is a NEW work-in-progress that has only begun development right here at Joe's on January 6th. The audience is invited to stay for talk-backs after all the performances to give the artists your candid (but loving) feedback.
Please note performance is appropriate for families but not meant to be a "kids" show.
ATTENTION FAMILIES!
There will be a FREE hands-on puppet engagement activity at 11 am. Learn more about this most magical and memorable art form, create and play with puppets with Happenstance Theater's master puppeteers.
This performance is made possible by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council Maryland Touring Grant.
About Joseph Cornell
Joseph Cornell was an American artist and filmmaker, one of the pioneers and most celebrated exponents of assemblage. Influenced by the Surrealists, he was also an avant-garde experimental filmmaker.
About Happenstance Theater
HAPPENSTANCE THEATER, founded in 2006, is a professional company committed to devising, producing and touring original, performer-created visual, poetic Theatre. Our ensemble has been developing work together since 2012. We are multi-talented performers who craft all aspects of our pieces from concept to realization. Under the Artistic co-Direction of Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell, we harvest imagery from the past and re-contextualize it in performances that address eternal themes of life, death, and the ephemeral. With the simplest means - movement, silence, theatrical clown, music, text, physical comedy and beauty - we seek to elevate the moment when the performers and audience meet, to lift the encounter beyond the daily and pedestrian into the realms of dreams, poetry, and art. Meaning is often discovered by happenstance.
In 2016 Happenstance received three Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Costume Design, and Outstanding Lead Actor. In 2017 Happenstance received two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Musical Direction.
Learn more: www.happenstancetheater.com
