What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1272416
4 WHAT'S UP! JULY 26-AUGUST 1, 2020 The 35-minute, interactive production explores the themes of isolation, mental and physical health, empathy and human connection, she says. "As told through the eyes of a Space Traveller (Claire Fossey), a fastidious Clown (Na'Tosha Devon), and a mysterious voice and force that keeps us guessing, the play is a very fun ride for the audience." And still, no one knew if it would work. Shatkus says the first performance took place July 7 at the home of longtime ArkansasStaged supporter Sue Coppernoll. "She and her family — Kelly, Dean, and Connie — sat in their driveway and watched the play performed on their front lawn," Shatkus remembers. "It was pure joy to hear their peals of laughter and applause. Connie told me she felt alive again, and Sue said, 'We may not be your biggest audience but we are your most grateful audience.' She also turned back to me at one point during the show and exclaimed, 'This play was made by crazy people!' I think it's the best review I've ever received." "ArkansasStaged has been around since 2013, presenting staged readings of contemporary plays and experiential theatre in places such as 21c Museum Hotel, Crystal Bridges Museum, Fenix Fayetteville, and Mount Sequoyah," Shatkus reminds, "but this is the first time we've taken it to the streets!" Stops have included Hillcrest Towers, a low-income housing community in Fayetteville; Butterfield Trail Village retirement community; and families whose loved ones with disabilities are served by Arkansas Support Network. "Unfortunately, I think the situation is pretty bleak for theatre in buildings for the next three to five years," Shatkus says. "But artists all over the country are taking the work back from institutions and creating their own innovative ways of presenting theatre. My dear colleague, Stephanie Faatz-Murray, has a show in North Dakota that's about to start — a Hamlet trunk show presented at drive-in movie theatres using the sound and projection available in those spaces. I think she's a genius." Having a performance of "Hold Fast" delivered is free. "That being said, we are still fundraising, and tax-deductible donations can be made through the links on our website," Shatkus says. "We have no major corporate sponsorship, and the entire thing has been funded so far by individuals and community members from all over the world." COVER STORY Curbside Continued From Page 3 Garret Ramsfield laughs uproariously as his mother Geri shows off her party hat for the camera. Audience members from the same household can be in close proximity to one another but, per a set of signed "agreements," must remain 15 feet from the Curbside Theatre performers at all times. Audrey Romero, stage manager/ CAP/Foley artist, leads the "Hold Fast" ensemble in a dance. (Courtesy Photos/ Lynn Meade)