Lorenzo Sariñana in The Hairy Ape (2013). Photo: Kenrick Fischer
¡el Simio! (or a contemporary retelling of Eugene O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape)
by Eugene O’Neill with translations by Lorenzo Sariñana
A story of a simple laborer trapped in a world controlled by the rich. This classic expressionist work is re-imagined as a one-man / hyper-media performance. This new bi-lingual translation and interpretation brings to the front the issues of immigration, class structure, and industrialism. First produced in 1922, the LIDA Project modernizes O’Neill’s text to address the modern themes of alienation in a stratified world.
Production History May 1-3, 2015: HERE Arts Center :: New York City, NY
May 10 – June 7, 2013: work | space :: Denver, CO
Awards Best Actor in a Drama (Lorenzo Sariñana), True West Award Nomination
Best Multimedia Integration (Brian Freeland), True West Award Nomination
The Company (2015 Production)
Direction: Brian Freeland
Producers: Steven J. Deidel & Annette Westerby Stage Manager / Show Control: G. Austin Allen
Scenic Design: Sky Burks
Lighting Design: Anshuman Bhatia & Steven J. Deidel
Sound Design: Alex Hawthorn & Drew Levy Projection Design: Steven J. Deidel & Brian Freeland
Costume Design: Annette Westerby
Ensemble (2015 Production)
Yank: Lorenzo Sariñana
O’Neill: Sonia Justl
The Company (2013 Production)
Direction: Brian Freeland Assistant Direction: Laura Lounge
Scenic Design: David Lafont
Lighting Design: Kenrick Fischer
Sound Design: Dustin Lacy
Projection Design: Brian Freeland
Property & Costume Design: Laura Lounge
Ensemble (2013 Production)
Yank: Lorenzo Sariñana
O’Neill: Hart DeRose
Happiness Is A Warm Gun
a devised work of The LIDA Project
This six-part performance exploration of gun culture and violence deconstructs the American gun debate. From freedom to fear, our complex relationship with firearms, and the role they play in our society is one of the most polarizing issues of our generation. From the inside it has become a cornerstone of the ideological “Culture War” with players on both sides staking uncompromising positions, making broad claims and dehumanizing anyone who may disagree with their perspective. From the outside it looks like a high-stakes game being played by people with endless resources, who play loose with the rules and only let you play if you buy into their brand.
It is a game.
A trivial pursuit where we chase one another around in circles gathering facts and assembling parts and pieces in a race to win the grand prize- the right to call our opponent wrong. The right to call ourselves true american.
This is where the LIDA Project’s exploration begins. With a circle…
“We’re losing that level of intimacy in American theater. The fourth wall is becoming a fourth cinderblock wall where that connection with the audience isn’t as tangible as it used to be.”
– Tommy Sheridan
Production History
October 10 – December 20, 2014 : site specific residences :: Denver, CO
The Company (Direction)
Carol Bloom Robin Davies Nancy Flanagan
Sinjin Jones
Erika Kae Tommy Sheridan Kenny Storms
Ensemble Kenneth Berba
Logan Custer
Dell Domnik
Caty Herrick
Sinjin Jones
Erika Kae
Ren Kolozak
Iona Leighton
Jihad Milhem
J. Edward Nelson
Ben Turk
Madison Ritter
Images
The Works
Part I: Raw
Three soldiers from different eras in American history find themselves on common ground as they explore the existential reasons for their meeting. Directed by Carol Bloom with performances by Ren Kolozak, Jihad Milhem, Ben Turk, & Madison Ritter.
Part II: The Happy Couple
The Gods intervene in this chapter to manipulate a couple who believe their lust for power entitles them to happiness. Drected by Nancy Flanagan with performances by Dell Domnik, Caty Herrick, Iona Leighton, & J. Edward Nelson.
Part III: Kamikaze
Reality TV comes to the living room with this high-energy work about sensationalism and extremes. Directed by Sinjin Jones with performances by Caty Herrick, Sinjin Jones, Ren Kolozak, & Madison Ritter.
Part IV: Mind the Machina
A young man is trying to discover the keys to a better life and takes a journey into a world of madness. Directed by Erika Kae with performances by Kenneth Berba, Logan Custer, Iona Leighton, & Ben Turk.
Part V: Between The Middle Two people attempt to play a game of chess but mistrust leads to a debate on rules and strategy. Directed by Kenny Storms with performances by Caty Herrick, Erika Kae, & Ben Turk.
Part VI: Beep
Following a tragic event, a couple struggles to reconcile personal beliefs with reality. Directed by Robin Davies with performances by Dell Domnik, Iona Leighton, and J. Edward Nelson.
Erik Brevik in Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014).
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville)
a devised work of The LIDA Project*
presented by THEATREWORKS
It was shocking, momentous and then largely forgotten. Two dozen people were killed, including 2 women and 11 children. The Ludlow Massacre of 1914 was the most violent episode in the Colorado coal wars, which in turn was part of the deadliest strike in the history of the United States. This post-contemporary production deconstructs the Ludlow Massacre along with contemporary issues of labor and inequality. This wild examination on the centenary of the events, creates the opportunity for audiences to explore social issues through context, both local and global.
Ludlow, 1914 is not a history lesson rather, it is a freeform exploration of the themes, both historical and current, evoked by the event: wealth inequality, worker’s rights, media bias, fossil fuel dependence. – Broadway World
Production History
September 11 – 28, 2014 : THEATREWORKS:: Colorado Springs, CO
The Company
Direction: Brian Freeland
Dramaturgy: Murray Ross
Text Design: Jeannene Bragg / Brian Freeland
Stage Management: Tim Muldrew / Elise Jenkins
Technical Director: Brantley Haines Production Design: Steven J. Deidel
Scenic Design: Steven J. Deidel / Alex Polzin
Lighting Design: Steven J. Deidel / Stevie Caldarola
Projection Design: Steven J. Deidel / Ryan Gaddis
Costume Design: Betty Ross
Properties Design: Roy Ballard
Orignal Musical Composition:
Automation Programmer: G. Austin Allen
Ensemble Rachel Baker, Erik Brevik, Terry Burnsed, Mark Cannon, Bruce Carter, Travis Duncan, Jack English, Sanaa Ford, Jane Fromme, David Hastings, Margaret Kasahara, Tom Paradise, Evan Slavens, Katelyn Sturt, Jeremiah Walter, Galen Westmoreland, & Micah Wilborn
Video
Images
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014)
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014)
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014)
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014)
Ludlow, 1914 (a dramatic vaudeville) (2014)
* Development collaborators: Encho Avramov, Jeannene Bragg, Terry Burnsed, Steven J. Deidel, Hart DeRose, Brian Freeland, Marcie Grambeau, Jaime Lujan, Parnell McGee, Tom Paradise, Murray Ross, Tommy Sheridan, Miriam BC Tobin, and Petra Ulrich.
Terry Burnsed, Jaime Lujan, & Miriam BC Tobin in Watershed (Part II: Soiled). Photo: Brian Freeland (2013).
Watershed (Part II: Soiled)
devised work of Jeannene Bragg, Brian Freeland, and The LIDA Project*
The second in a two part play built in collaboration between The LIDA Project and Metro State University. Watershed is a modern performance fantasy that looks at the character of water in a world of radically changing politics and climate. This meta-media work combines elemental water, high tech projection, and human performance that pushes the boundaries of performance presentation and political theatre.
“The nature of the performing arts tends to shy away from topics of environmental concern and a political nature. Artists have the opportunity to make a point and spark important conversations.”
– Brian Freeland
Production History
August 23 – September 21, 2013: work | space :: Denver, CO
The Company Direction: Brian Freeland
Text Design: Jeannene Bragg Costume Design: Jeannene Bragg Sound Design: Brian Freeland
Ensemble Rhea Amos
Terry Burnsed
Jaime Lujan
Anson Nicholson
Kenny Storms
Miriam BC Tobin
Dane Torbenson
*This production was created with the support and collaboration of Metropolitan State University. Development collaborators: Rhea Amos, Jeannene Bragg, Terry Burnsed, Brian Freeland, Jaime Lujan, & Miriam BC Tobin.
Prison / Street / Prison
an original collaboration between RedLine, The LIDA Project, & The SOURCE Theatre Co.*
As part of Redline Denver’s exhibit, Not Exactly: Between home and where I find myself, The LIDA Project & SOURCE Theatre artistic directors Brian Freeland & Hugo Sayles created a first hand testimonial work giving voice to the connection between homelessness and incarceration.
Production History
June 13 – 29, 2013 : RedLine :: Denver, CO
The Company
Direction: Brian Freeland / Hugo Jon Sayles Lighting Design: Kenrick Fischer Scenic Design: David Lafont Projection Design: Brian Freeland Sound Design: William Burns / Max Peterson Not Exactly Curators: Chad Kautzer / Robin Gallite
Ensemble Jeff Campbell
Corin Chavez
Tim Johnson
Parnell McGee
Lorenzo Sariñana
Kenny Storms
Images
Prison / Street / Prison (2013)
Prison / Street / Prison (2013)
Prison / Street / Prison (2013)
Prison / Street / Prison (2013)
* Development collaborators: Jeff Campbell, Corin Chavez, Brian Freeland, Tim Johnson, Parnell McGee, Lorenzo Sariñana, Hugo Jon Sayles, & Kenny Storms
Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. I only aim at the powerful. When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel – it’s vulgar.” – Molly Ivins
Production History
October 25 – 28, 2012 : work | space :: Denver, CO
November 2 – 10, 2012 : The Aurora Fox :: Aurora, CO
November 15 – 30, 2013 : The Dairy Center :: Boulder, CO
Awards Best Drama, True West Award Nomination
Best Actress in a Drama (Rhonda Brown), True West Award Nomination
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (Rhonda Brown), Henry Award Nomination
Best Political Theatre, Best of Westword 2013
The Company Producers: A. Zeik Saidman & Brian Freeland
Associate Producer: Alana Smart Direction: Brian Freeland
Stage Management: Tommy Sheridan Lighting Design: Jacob M. Welch Scenic Design: David Lafont Sound Design: Max Peterson Costume Design: Sharon McClaury Publicity: Gloria Shanstrom
Ensemble
Rhonda Brown: Molly Ivins
Rhea Amos: The Helper
A very special thank you to our original production sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: C. Richard and Marianne Reinisch Foundation | Sponsors: ACLU of Colorado, Brett Family Foundation, In memory of Joel Ehrlich, Caroline Lapp and Phil Barber, & John P. Oppenheim, PC, Attorney at Law | Beloveds: Bob Drake, Bruce & Jaren Ducker, Dr. Bob & Marilyn Fried, Paul & Jean Kottke, Elaine Selberg & Dan Recht, Jane & Stan Thalman, & Jan Temple
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
a devised work of The LIDA Project*
The LIDA Project’s 6-part award winning epic on health, care, mortality and dying in the United States originally premiered in December of 2011 in a unique collaboration between the LIDA Project and a group of guest directors and community leaders. The work was environmentally designed and performed in private residences.
Production History December 02 – December 17, 2011 : site specific residences :: Denver, CO January 27 – February 11, 2012 :site specific residences :: Denver, CO
Awards Special Achievement – Denver Post Ovation Award
The Company
Direction: Robin Davies / Brian Freeland / Josh Hartwell / Jaime Lujan / Brenda Cook Ritenour / Kate Roselle / Tommy Sheridan / Kenny Storms Artistic Director: Brian Freeland Dramaturgy: Rebecca Gorman O’Neill Movement: Tonya Malik-Carson Scenic Design: Amelia Charter Production Assistant: Laura Lounge
Ensemble
Rhea Amos, Meg Chamberlain, Hart DeRose, Nancy Flanagan, Michelle Hurtubise, Madeleine Joyce, Sonia Justl, Deanna Lowman, Heidi Pachner, Lorenzo Sariñana, Stefin Woolever, & Ryan Wuestewald
Video
The Works
The Soldier The Soldier maneuvers through a recent Iraq War veterans struggles to care for herself and her relationships while her PTSD and grief from the war spin into a sadistic health insurance game show. Directed by Tommy Sheridan with performances by Rhea Amos, Hart DeRose, Nancy Flanagan, Michelle Hurtubise, Madeleine Joyce, Heidi Pachner, Stefin Woolever, and Ryan Wuestewald.
The Addict The Addict is a cyclical spiral of losing control and asking for help. It grapples with both tangible and systemic addictions and whether or not we have the agency to choose our own paths. Directed by Kate Roselle and Kenny Storms with performances by Nancy Flanagan, Madeleine Joyce, Deanna Lowman, Heidi Pachner, Lorenzo Sariñana, and Stefin Woolever.
The Survivor
An exploration of how we grapple with death–both losing those we love and dealing with the knowledge of our own. Directed by Jaime Lujan with performances by Rhea Amos, Hart DeRose, Michelle Hurtubise, Madeleine Joyce, Lorenzo Sariñana, and Ryan Wuestewald.
The Middleman
An examination of the difficult choices that individuals have to make on health + care in a world of 7 billion people. Directed by Robin Davies with performances by Rhea Amos, Hart DeRose, Michelle Hurtubise, Heidi Pachner, and Ryan Wuestewald.
The Immigrant
An exploration of alternative medicine, cultural assimilation, and the red tape beaurocrtic hoops we have to jump through. Directed by Brenda Cook Ritenour with performances by Hart DeRose, Michelle Hurtubise, Deanna Lowman, and Lorenzo Sariñana.
The Patient The Patient is a poetic and lyrical exploration of the ins outs ups downs of a person’s final moments and how hospice and its workers provide support to that person and their relatives. “What’s more important than our final moment,” one patient asks. Death responds, “Them.” Directed by Josh Hartwell with performances by Nancy Flanagan, Madeleine Joyce, Deanna Lowman, Heidi Pachner, and Stefin Woolever.
* Development collaborators: Rhea Amos, Meg Chamberlain, Amelia Charter, Robin Davies, Hart DeRose, Nancy Flanagan, Brian Freeland, Josh Hartwell, Michelle Hurtubise, Madeleine Joyce, Sonia Justl, Laura Lounge, Deanna Lowman, Jaime Lujan, Tonya Malik-Carson, Rebecca Gorman O’Neill, Heidi Pachner, Brenda Cook Ritenour, Lorenzo Sariñana, Kate Roselle, Tommy Sheridan, Kenny Storms, Stefin Woolever, & Ryan Wuestewald
You must be logged in to post a comment.