Building the Wall by Robert Schenkkan Opens April 4, 2017
Thursday, February 2, 2017. Denver, CO – Curious Theatre Company, a leader in social justice-based art, has just announced they are bringing a provocative and timely piece to Denver in the wake of the new Trump administration’s actions on immigration. The theatre company, whose mission is to engage the community important contemporary issues through provocative modern theatre, said they hope this piece fosters important dialog in our city and our country, and provides a forum to explore the frightening times in which we now live. Building the Wall will open on April 4 and run in repertory with their previously scheduled production of Constellations by Nick Payne. The newest play by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan (The Kentucky Cycle, All the Way) was written in a white-hot fury in the two weeks leading up to the Inauguration. Directed by Bruce Sevy, the play looks into a very near dystopian future when the Trump administration has carried out his campaign promise to round up and detain millions of immigrants. A writer interviews the supervisor of a private prison as he awaits sentencing for carrying out the federal policy that has escalated to the unimaginable. Harkening George Orwell's 1984 and the Nazi regime, Building the Wall is a terrifying and gripping exploration of what America could soon become. The choice to program this play right now is a bold one and can only be defined as a protest piece. Curious’ Managing Director Katie Maltais notes, “We know this play will be a clear message. Curious is standing up for what we believe in – equality, inclusiveness, and respect. That also means we are standing against hate, divisiveness, and brutality. We see people protesting every day against executive actions and hate – this piece is Curious’ protest.” Shortly after the election, Maltais and Producing Artistic Director Chip Walton sent a letter to their patrons pledging to remain gutsy and promote nclusivity. Maltais commented that she feels this play as well as holding events like the pre-Inauguration Ghostlight Project is fulfilling that promise to Curious patrons and the community at large. Curious has long been a home for socially-engaged art and diverse programming; this production reflects their commitment to stand firm in their mission during this terrifying moment in American history. This programmatic choice is not only unique as a statement, but also in the timing. Normally, plays take months or years of rewrites and workshops before their premiere. Walton shared, “Moving forward, there is a clear and important need to adapt as a field to be more immediately responsive to the events occurring in our rapidly-changing world. This production also represents Curious' leadership role on the forefront of that change.” Working this show into an already packed season is a risk, but Walton knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “In the first couple of days that I had the script, my phone was blowing up with news alerts around executive actions and immigration and –of course – building the wall. I knew it was a rare opportunity to be able to program something so immediate and so relevant. The timing and logistics of opening it right away were a challenge to coordinate but the times do not permit us the ease of waiting. The theatre community must add its voice immediately with the urgency of what is happening in our country everyday, and we all felt that it was our civic responsibility to produce this piece immediately.” Of course, adding a show to a season also has budget implications. The company has started an Indiegogo campaign to help cover the costs of putting a sixth show into their 19th Season. Investor benefits include tickets to the show, dinner with the playwright and signed scripts. As with all productions at Curious, this roughly one-hour play will be followed up by a talkback after each performance. Following each performance of Building the Wall, the audience will hold discussion focused on “what now?” – how can this work serve as a catalyst for change and action in our community? Many of the talkbacks will include special guests from Denver’s activist, immigration rights, and social justice communities. Opening Night, April 4 at 6:30pm, will feature a talkback with playwright Robert Schenkkan as well as drinks and nosh. The roles of art and artists have historically been at the forefront of revolution and resistance around the world. Curious appears to be taking the lead in Denver to ensure those searching for a community unafraid to stand up against injustice can find a cultural home at 1080 Acoma Street. About the Play
BUILDING THE WALL by Robert Schenkkan. On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Over the next six months, events would unravel that test every American's strength of character: executive actions, an immigration round-up of unprecedented scale, and a declaration of martial law. Rick finds himself caught up as the frontman of the new administration's edicts and loses his humanity. In a play that harkens George Orwell's1984 and the Nazi regime, Building the Wall is a terrifying and gripping exploration of what happens if we let fear win.
About the Campaign. Curious has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise some of the funds necessary to put on this production. Information can be found at https://igg.me/at/curiousprotest.
Show dates:
• Tuesday, April 4 at 8pm
• Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30pm
• Saturday, April 8 at 2pm
• Sunday, April 9 at 6:30pm
• Monday, April 10 at 6:30pm
• Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30pm
• Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30pm
• Saturday, April 15 at 2pm
• Monday, April 17 at 6:30pm
• Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30pm
• Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30pm
Run time is approximately 1 hour and every show is followed by a 20-30 minute post-show discussion. All shows take place at Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma Street, Denver. Tickets for all shows (excluding Opening Night) start at $20. Opening Night tickets are $200 and include nosh and drinks along with an extended talkback with the playwright and artistic leadership. Tickets may be purchased on the Curious website at www.curioustheatre.org or by calling 303-623-0524.