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Happiness Is A Warm Gun

Happiness is a Warm Gun (2014)

Happiness is a Warm Gun (2014)

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

Media Coverage
LIDA Project performances bring gun discussions into living rooms – The Denver Post
The LIDA Project takes aim with Happiness is a Warm Gun – Westword

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

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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.

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Watershed (Part II): Soiled

Terry Burnsed, Jaime Lujan, & Miriam BC Tobin in Watershed (Part II: Soiled). Photo: Brian Freeland (2013).

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

Media Coverage
Metro and the LIDA Project partner on Watershed, an artistic look at global warming – Westword

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.

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Prison / Street / Prison

Prison / Street / Prison (2013)

Prison / Street / Prison (2013)

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

Media Coverage
Cycles of Street to Prison address the line between homelessness and incarceration – Westword
The Art of Homelessness – Westword

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

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* Development collaborators:  Jeff Campbell, Corin Chavez, Brian Freeland, Tim Johnson, Parnell McGee, Lorenzo Sariñana, Hugo Jon Sayles, & Kenny Storms

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Justin Bieber Meets Al Qaeda

Justin Bieber Meets Al Qaeda (2011)

Justin Bieber Meets Al Qaeda (2011)

Justin Bieber Meets Al Qaeda
a devised work of The LIDA Project*

This original LIDA collaborative work inspired by Max Fritch’s The Firebugs and Albert Camus’s The Just, focuses on American pop culture and attitudes a decade after the Al Qaeda attacks on the United States. An irreverent, bombastic, and controversial examination of American politics and culture post 9-11.

Production History
September 9 – October 8, 2011: work | space :: Denver, CO

Awards
Best Multimedia Integration (Steven J. Deidel) -Denver Post Ovation Award
Best Lighting (Steven J. Deidel) – Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination
Best Sound (Kenny Storms & Max Peterson)– Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination

Media Coverage
Art from the ashes: A decade later, great art inspired by 9/11 is rare
Photo call: Opening night for new LIDA Project
The Terror, the Terror!
The Denver Post Fall Arts Preview

The Company
Producers: Brian Freeland, Steven J. Deidel & The LIDA Project
Direction: Brian Freeland
Dramaturgy: Rebecca Gorman O’Neill
Lighting / Projection Design: Steven J. Deidel
Sound Design: Max Peterson & Kenny Storms
Costume Design: Annette Westerby
Associate Lighting Design: Anna R. Kaltenbach
Associate Lighting Design / Lighting Programmer: G. Austin Allen
Projection Associate / Content Creation: Ryan Gaddis
Pixel Twister: Joe Deats
Camera Operators / Video Technicians: Tommy Sheridan & Alex Polzin
LIVE Sand Artist: Amelia Charter

Ensemble
Patrick Balai: Homeland Security / George W. Bush
Robin Davies: White
Hart DeRose: Anna Lucia
Dan O’Neill: Osama Bin Ladin
Safa Samiezade-Yazd: The Chorus
Matthew Schultz: Sadam Hussain / Bieber
Ryan Wuestewald: Wilson

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* Development collaborators: Robin Davies, Hart DeRose, Brian Freeland, & Matthew Schultz. Additional collaboration from Steven J. Deidel, Rebecca Gorman O’Neill, Dan O’Neill, & Kenny Storms

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HOT + WAX: On Being Too Big To Fail (a piece in 8 bits)

Kenny Storms in HOT + WAX: On Being Too Big To Fail (a piece in 8 bits) (2010)

 

HOT + WAX: On Being Too Big To Fail (a piece in 8 bits)
conceived and directed by Julie Rada as devised with The LIDA Project*

A live performance blend of the Icarus story from Greek mythology, the 2009 economic crisis and 1980’s 8-bit video games. Princess Toadstool figures prominently, as does the boy whose wings melted in the sun. Joe Knossos, the head of the troubled financial products division, dodges the Minotaur as meat falls from the sky. The piece is highly-interactive with opportunities for witnesses to play old-school video games and manipulate the direction of the story.

HOT+WAX = flying too close to the sun.
HOT+WAX = getting all the coins.
HOT+WAX = finance porno.
HOT+WAX = 8 bits vs. naughty bits.

Production History
September 24 – October 23, 2010: BINDERY | space :: Denver, CO

Media Coverage
Icarus climbs corporate ladder in LIDA’s video game allegory – The Denver Post

The Company
Direction: Julie Rada
Scenic Design: Erin Ramsey
Lighting Design: Jacob M. Welch
Sound / Video Design: Ryan McRyhew
Music Composition: Ryan McRyhew / Neil Ewing
Costume Design: Annette Westerby
Properties Design: Annette Westerby
Choreography: Kelleen Shadow

Ensemble
Ploughman: Terry Burnsed
Mr. Joseph C. Knossos: Todd Webster
Daedalus: Leroy Leonard
Uncle Sam: Mike Marlow
Cellist: Eizabeth A. Nodich
Pasiphae / Your Mom: Elizabeth Parks
Icarus: Lorenzo Sariñana
Princess: Kelleen Shadow
Bull / Minotaur: Kenny Storms

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* Development collaborators: Leroy Leonard, Elizabeth Parks, Julie Rada, Lorenzo Sariñana, Matthew Schultz, Kelleen Shadow, Kenny Storms, & Annette Westerby

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Mouse In A Jar

Trina Magness (Ma) in Martyna Majok's Mouse in a Jar. (2010)

Trina Magness (Ma) in Martyna Majok’s Mouse in a Jar. (2010)

Mouse in a Jar
by Martyna Majok

We see a mother on a leash. We see the bruises. We smell the meat burn. We hear a crash, a thrash. We know the Man in Boots is coming. We know the daughter is out there. We know there is something scrounging in the shadows.Mouse in a Jar is a horror story packed full of oddities and underground life forms. This is Stockholm Syndrome. This is the impossible grace of bondage. This is subterranean punk; acts of desperation required.

Production History
April 23 – May 29, 2010 : BINDERY | space :: Denver, CO

Awards
Best Actress in a Drama (Trina Magness), Westword
Actress in a Dramatic Role (Trina Magness) – Denver Post Ovation Award
Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role (Kelleen Shadow) – Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination
Scenic Design (Nick Kargel) – Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination
Lighting Design (Steven J. Diedel) – Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination
Sound Design (Brian Freeland) – Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination

Media Coverage
Horror captured like a mouse in a jar, The Denver Post
LIDA presents, Mouse In A Jar, The Metropolitan
‘Mouse in a Jar’ is not horror but it’s certainly scary, The Examiner

The Company
Direction: Julie Rada
Asst. Direction: Lanie Reel
Scenic Design: Nicholas Kargel
Lighting / Projection Design: Steven J. Deidel
Associate Lighting Design: Anna R. Kaltenbach / Dan O’Neill
Video Foley Artist: Dan O’Neill
Sound Design: Brian Freeland
Costume Design: Annette Westerby
Properties Design: Julie Rada
Production Run Crew: Ryan Gaddis / Jules DuMond / Kenny Storms

Ensemble
Zosia: Janna Meiring
Daga: Kelleen Shadow
Ma: Trina Magness
Boy: Lorenzo Sariñana

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RAIN/ of terror

rain/ of terror (2009)

RAIN/ OF TERROR (2009)

RAIN/ of terror
Adapted from Georg Büchner’s Danton’s Death by Julie Rada

During the chaos of the Revolution, a man in isolation has left the political scene to languish in sensual delights. Another man at the zenith of power clings to virtue and a hunger for conformity…the citizens are easily roused and swayed…a culture of fear infects the city with the constant threat of execution. Through the lens of LIDA’s unique aesthetic and devised through collaborative process, Georg Büchner’s classic Danton’s Death, gets a new life in this story of the inevitable triumph of humanity and its insatiable lust for life, against the backdrop of sex, violence, corruption, and bloodshed.

“It’s theater of chaos. It’s smoldering, it feels a little dangerous and it’s completely unlike any other theatrical experience you’ll get in this town.” – John Moore, The Denver Post

Production History
February 27 – March 21, 2009: BINDERY | space :: Denver, CO

Awards
Best Lighting Design (Miriam Eric Suzanne), Denver Post Ovation Award Nomination

Media Coverage
“RAIN/ of terror”: A bloody good minireview – The Denver Post
RAIN/ of terror looks at social unrest – Life on Capitol Hill

The Company
Direction: Julie Rada
Stage Management: Frank Cason / Kenny Storms
Lighting Design: Miriam Suzanne
Scenic Design: Julie Rada
Sound Design: Brian Freeland
Original Music: Carrie Beeder / James Han
Costume Design: Julie Rada
Properties Design: Julie Rada
Production Assistance: Melanie Owen / Doron Burks

Ensemble
Nathan Bock, Kestrel Burley, Ed Cord, Eve D’Agosto, Kirsten Deane, Desiree Gagnon, Brandon Kruhm, Leroy Leonard, Elizabeth Parks, Lorenzo Sariñana, Matthew Schultz, and Todd Webster

Understudy: Jose Aquila

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