Liars & Believers Pushes The Boundaries Of Devised Theatre, Inviting The Public Into The Process

Liars & Believers (LAB), continues its risk-taking experimentation by inviting the public into the creative process with a free workshop presentation of their newest production, A Story Beyond. The showing will be followed by an interactive developmental discussion with the audience and ensemble. It will be presented on March 29, 2018 @ 7:30 at the BCA Black Box Theater, 539 Tremont Street in Boston's South End. Tickets are free and can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-story-beyond-workshop-showing-tickets-43211175790.

A Story Beyond is a musical fable devised collaboratively by the ensemble in response to the toxicity of current American politics. It features original songs by Nathan Leigh (ICARUS and Song of Songs), puppetry by Faye Dupras (ICARUS), masks by Penny Benson (Yellow Bird Chase), costumes by Kendra Bell (Who Would Be King, Yellow Bird Chase, ICARUS, 28 Seeds, Song of Songs, and Le Cabaret Grimm), and the quirky creativity of the LAB ensemble.

The cast will present a fully staged reading of the work in progress, showing the various storytelling methods that will be used in the show: songs, puppets, masks, and physical theatre. Afterwards, the audience will be invited to participate in a moderated discussion about what works, what doesn't, and how the show should move forward. The ensemble will share their collaborative devising process and answer questions about making the show.

"Audience feedback is a reality check. It tells us what reads and what doesn't. Their suggestions really guide the development of the play," says LAB Artistic Director, Jason Slavick. "But it's also important that we show the public how art is made. We want them to understand the long creative process. That's how we grow their love of the arts." "We're making them into ensemble members who help shape the show," says scenic designer/actor, Becca Lehrhoff. "It's scary because you're asking people to judge your unfinished work and join the process." Actor/writer Rachel Wiese adds, "Audiences are smart. They understand process. As a performer, sharing works in progress can be really freeing."

Liars & Believers began exploring masks and folklore from around the world shortly after the 2016 election. Since January 2017, the ensemble has been working through a series of 3-week workshops, devising the story and the form. The presentation on March 29 is the halfway point of development and will be the first public showing of A Story Beyond. The show is scheduled to premiere in December 2018 at the Boston Center for the Arts as part of Liars & Believers' residency at the BCA.

The development and presentation of the show is made possible by the generous support of The Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Boston Cultural Council.

A Story Beyond Artists
Jason Slavick - Director & Lead Writer
Nathan Leigh - Composer & Lyricist
Faye Dupras - Puppetry Director & Designer
Penny Benson - Mask Designer & Builder & Puppet Builder
Kendra Bell - Costume Designer
PJ Strachman - Lighting Designer
Becca Lehrhoff - Scenic Designer & Actor
Rachel Wiese - Lead Writer & Actor
Glen Moore - Actor
Rosie McInnes - Actor
Julia Fioravanti - Stage Manager
Ben Lieberson - Technical Director

A Story Beyond
A musical fable
Workshop showing
Created by Liars & Believers
March 29 @ 7:30pm. Doors open @ 7:10 pm
Boston Center for the Arts, Black Box Theater
539 Tremont St, Boston
FREE
Reserve Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-story-beyond-workshop-showing-tickets-43211175790

Liars & Believers creates original live performances which move the heart, challenge the mind and feast the senses. Dubbed "inspired" by The New York Times and "the region's most experimental and visionary artists" by the Boston Survival Guide, Liars & Believers expands the language of live performance.

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