imaginary beasts presents the Boston Premiere of Juli Crockett's [or, the whale]

There once was a man who lost his leg...

This fall the imaginary beasts ensemble heads straightway into fresh adventures with a Boston-premiere production of an original play by Juli Crockett and a promising new artistic partnership with The Charlestown Working Theater.

Inspired by Melville's Moby Dick, Juli Crockett's [or, the whale] is a poetic meditation on loss and longing; a song of finding and forgetting; and, a theatrical reflection upon humankind's ongoing quest for wholeness. A chorus of Captain Ahabs form a mad crew who set out in search of Ahab's missing leg - which is lost somewhere in the impossible vastness of the sea. As they venture forth, however, moments collide, memories shift, and the journey begins to feel like a dream. A blend of the whimsical and the profound make this bold, experimental play an unusual and entrancing theatrical experience for all.

imaginary beasts is especially pleased to be collaborating with Kangaroo Rat Music, popular Provincetown buskers, for this imaginative production. The ensemble also enthusiastically welcomes Boston-area sculptor, Lillian P.H. Kology, aboard the production as set designer. Perennial favorites Cotton Talbot-Minkin and Chris Bocchiaro add their award-winning talents to the costume and lighting design, respectively.

And the adventure continues as imaginary beasts moves their base of operations to The Charlestown Working Theater. Cited for their adventurous collaborations, providing unique insights into theater from around the world, the Charlestown Working Theater will provide the beasts with the necessary time and space to engage in more meaningful and ongoing artistic exploration. With an emphasis on work developed in studio, and not on continuous production, this new partnership will send the ensemble into an era of greater experimentation and play.

Juli Crockett's [or, the whale] runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 4:00 pm from October 13-November 4. See the full production run for additional dates.

Charlestown Working Theater, 442 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA 02129. TICKETS: Contact 866-811-4111 or visit www.charlestownworkingtheater.org. General admission: $20, Students and seniors: $12. Pay What You Can ($5 minimum) each Thursday evening and Sunday matinee performance. For Group Rates and Special Pricing, contact imaginarybeasts@gmail.com.