Photo Flash: Hollyhock House Presents Immersive Experience FEFU AND HER FRIENDS

This May, in celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright's 150th anniversary, UNESCO World Heritage List-nominated Hollyhock House presents a J.U.S.T. Toys Production in association with Circle X Theatre Co. of a very unique immersive event, FEFU AND HER FRIENDS, written by María Irene Fornés, with choreography by Zsófia Nemes, musical composition by Daniel Szabo and directed by Kate Jopson. FEFU AND HER FREIENDS is the first play EVER to be performed at the iconic house, which is located in the heart of Barnsdall Art Park, a vibrant, artistic and recreational destination. With just 20 guests admitted to each of the 12 performances, attendees will enjoy a truly intimate front row experience at the play, which previews on Thursday, May 4; with a press opening on Friday, May 5 at 8pm and runs through Sunday, May 28 (4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 90027).

On a seemingly ordinary day, a group of women gather to plan a philanthropic fundraiser. As the evening unwinds, the world dips into the surreal and their secrets, fears, and frustrations with society and each other come to light. Featuring an international cast of women, Forne?s' 1977 play explores how women across the world are subtly pressured to conform to an ideal of meekness and femininity.

The synergies between Aline Barnsdall and the women in FEFU AND HER FRIENDS are uncanny, leading to wonderful historical resonances between the rich history of the House and the play. Fefu is a strong, eccentric, upper-class woman, who deliberately defies convention and could have easily been based on Aline. The playwright, Maria Irene Fornes, fits the type of artist Aline envisioned commissioning for her experimental theatre complex had it come to fruition. Now in her 80s, Fornes reframed feminism in the 1970s and her work continues to inspire new generations of artists.

In collaboration with Hollyhock House and generous support from the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from the performances will go towards the restoration of the guesthouse, Residence A that is currently underway.

HOLLYHOCK HOUSE is a significant part of Los Angeles' storied architectural history. A National Historic Landmark, Hollyhock House was commissioned by Aline Barnsdall and designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1919-1921. Originally intended as part of a avant-garde theatre complex, the project stalled after the house was finished. Barnsdall gifted the house to the City of Los Angeles in 1927. Hollyhock House underwent extensive renovations and re-opened to the public in 2014. Fefu and Her Friends will be the first-ever theatre performance at the house, finally making Aline Barnsdall's vision a reality. Hollyhock House is now among a group of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings currently nominated by the United States to the United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.

Barnsdall Art Park Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture Barnsdall Park as a dynamic and vibrant artistic, cultural, and recreational destination for Los Angeles and the world.

As a leading, progressive arts and cultural agency, DCA empowers Los Angeles' vibrant communities by supporting and providing access to quality visual, literary, musical, performing, and educational arts programming; managing vital cultural centers; preserving historic sites; creating public art; and funding services provided by arts organizations and individual artists. Formed in 1925, DCA promotes arts and culture as a way to ignite a powerful dialogue, engage LA's residents and visitors, and ensure LA's varied cultures are recognized, acknowledged, and experienced. For more information, please visit culturela.org

FEFU AND HER FRIENDS will preview on Thursday, May 4 and will open on Friday, May 5 at 8pm and runs through Sunday, May 28 at Hollyhock House, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, 90027.

Performances are Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays at 8pm; with an added performance on Friday, May 26 at 8pm.

HOLLYHOCK HOUSE - 4800 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angles, CA 90027.

Tickets are $60. For tickets, buy online at http://circlextheatre.org/fefu

Social media - #fefuhollyhock

Two seats at each performance of FEFU AND HER FRIENDS are reserved for special purchase at $1,000, which is tax deductible and benefits the important restoration of Residence A, the guesthouse for Hollyhock House. The work is being undertaken by the City of Los Angeles and Project Restore, a nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of City-owned historic buildings. To purchase tickets on line go to http://www.projectrestore.lacity.org/ or call 213-978-0283.

PHOTO CREDIT: Daniel Szandtner

Tunde Skovran
Julia Ubrankovics
Christine Uhebe
Guerin Piercy and Talia Davis
Caro Zeller and Tunde Skovran
Kacie Rogers and Claudia Zielke
Guerin Piercy