2013 PERFORMANCES:
5 weekends on our season theme of
“COURAGE”
Each year the performances at Ko are curated on a theme that we think will entertain, provoke and inspire our audiences! In 2013 we’re investigating COURAGE. The shows are by a diverse group of artists who are coming to us from Iowa; NYC; Texas; upstate New York; Boston and Hartford. All are original works, created by the people who perform them & their teams of collaborators.
Many audience members enrich their experience at Ko by staying for the discussions that follow every performance. We use the show as a lens to help us discuss our season theme. The discussion is yes, artist/audience — but here in Amherst, famous for being the town “where only the ‘h’ is silent” — post-shows quickly become opportunities for community dialogue. There are other special events & ways for you to participate including an interactive visual art installation by KALI QUINN. Scroll down for all the info!
PERFORMANCES
July 5-7, Fri. & Sat, at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
JUST KIDS
Sean Christopher Lewis (Iowa City)
Teaching a group of kids with violent psychological issues in rural Kansas, Sean Lewis confronts the similarities in his own background as his father – abusive, estranged – and charming, enters the picture one last time. In a performance described in one review as a “one man NPR…” (read more)
July 12-14, Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
SPACEMAN
Loading Dock (NYC)
The depths of mankind’s last unknown frontiers – outer space and a grieving heart – are explored in this brave and funny new play about a woman’s solo journey to Mars. Radiation exposure, long term weightlessness, low light, extensive communication delays and poor hygiene are just a few of the challenges astronaut Molly Jennis must face as the first woman to head out to Mars… (read more)
July 14, Sun. at 8:00 SPECIAL EVENT - One night only!
TALIESIN
An all ages event by our annual favorites, the Mettawee River Theatre Company (NYC), on the Amherst College Observatory Lawn off of Snell Street. The story of Taliesin comes from a medieval Welsh tale of sorcery and court intrigue… (read more)
July 19-21, Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
THE BURNIN’
Progress Theatre (Houston, TX)
A new a cappella musical inspired by famous club fires in 1940′s Natchez, MS & 2003 Chicago. COURAGE in the face of calamity – but also to reclaim/reframe African-American identity & history. (read more)
July 26-28 Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
CONVERSATIONS WITH MY MOLESTER: A Journey of Faith
Michael Mack (Cambridge, MA)
Like many Catholic boys in the 1960s, Michael Mack wanted to be a priest. That dream ended at age 11 when his pastor invited him to the rectory to “help with a project.” In the decades that followed, Mack wrestled with disturbing questions about sexuality and spirituality, and imagined one day meeting his abuser for a conversation. In 2008 he had that chance… One of only four playwrights to receive the 2013 Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Fellowship in Dramatic Writing. (read more)
July 28 at 8:00 ONE NIGHT ONLY!
KoFest STORY SLAM & PARTY
You’ve heard of poetry slams – competitive poetry events? Well we’ve got one for first person, true stories – told live & without notes. Stories will be 5 minutes or under & must somehow relate to our season themes of “COURAGE.” A huge hit in previous seasons and at Northampton’s A.P.E. Gallery this spring; this event might be your opportunity to take your place on the Ko Festival stage alongside KoFest artists & staff. Cash bar. And prizes! All tickets $15. (read more)
August 2-4 Fri. & Sat, at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
MEDITATIONS FROM A GARDEN SEAT
Judy Dworin Performance Project (Hartford, CT)
A stunning dance/theater hybrid on the healing power of gardens, stemming from an essay by emancipationist and social critic Harriet Beecher Stowe + material by contemporary women in or just out of prison. (read more)
ALL SEASON
Community-Based Art Installation
Kali Quinn is back again this summer to create an interactive piece around our season theme of COURAGE – where all are invited to participate.
Click here to see more about what was created last summer. If you’d like to participate in this year’s installation we’ve got a simple questionnaire on your thoughts on COURAGE here. Then come to a show or visit the installation’s blog to see how your contribution has been included.
