A Boundry-Busting Devised Work About Our Divided America Opens August 8 At The Foundry

Now the resident theater company at The Foundry, Bazaar Productions is delighted to announce its 2019 interpretation of Particularly in the Heartland, an interactive theater piece originally created and devised by the Brooklyn-based company, The TEAM. The show opens August 8 in conjunction with a kick-off celebration and fundraising event.

Set in Kansas in 2004, Particularly in the Heartland is an excavation of American identity, exploring themes of idealism, cynicism, and hope. Directed by Bazaar Productions co-artistic director Sara Katzoff, and featuring a dynamic ensemble of emerging performers and designers, Particularly in the Heartland runs through August 18.

"At its core, this show explores the soul of our identity as Americans," said Katzoff. "It's about losing sight of our country, and trying to fall back in love with it. America is a complex tapestry of ideals built on systems of profound racial, social, and economic injustice. This project is about reconciling patriotism and disillusionment. Plus, it's wildly entertaining!"

Integrating visceral and physical storytelling with original text, Particularly in the Heartland spotlights a trio of siblings living on a Kansas farm. Orphaned after their parents' disappearance by tornado-or was it an alien invasion? Or possibly the Rapture?-the Springer children are left to raise themselves. They are soon joined by three outsiders: Dorothy, a New Yorker fallen from an airplane; Tracey Jo, a pregnant teen claiming to be an alien; and the ghost of 1968 presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy. Out of the chaos emerges a new kind of American family.

Known for producing boundary-smashing new work since 2005, Bazaar Productions plans to relaunch a full season of multi-disciplinary programming in 2020. Their Berkshire Fringe Festival was the backbone of their programming from 2005 to 2016.

"We could not be more excited to return to the Berkshires," said Peter Wise, co-artistic director for Bazaar Productions. "We needed to press pause on our activities for a few years to focus on personal projects. That time has been fruitful and we're happy to bring this work and many new collaborators to the Berkshires and to have the opportunity to work in this amazing new venue in West Stockbridge."

Amy Brentano, owner of The Foundry-a new performing and visual arts space-is also a member of Bazaar Productions.

"I'm thrilled to have created a space that Bazaar can call home. My vision for The Foundry is to offer a versatile and generative space for creatives who may lack access. We want to create work that no one else is making in the Berkshires, and we plan to present year-round," said Brentano. "Partnering with Bazaar is a dream come true. I can't wait to share Particularly in the Heartland with our community."

Tickets to the opening night performance on August 8 will include a kick-off celebration. Patrons will enjoy locally-crafted fare and open bar while bidding on a silent auction in The Foundry's gallery space. After the performance, attendees are invited to stay for a dance party. Separate tickets for the dance party will be also be sold. All proceeds from the evening will support Bazaar Production's upcoming season and programming. Purchase tickets and find additional info at bazaarproductions.org.