2012 SEASON:
“An Irreverent & Intergenerational Look at AGE & AGEING”
Each year the performances at Ko are curated on a theme that we think will entertain, provoke and inspire our audiences! In 2012 we’re investigating aging, a process that evokes a gamut of feelings – from trepidation to celebration. The shows are by a diverse group of artists who are coming to us from San Francisco; NYC; New Jersey; Portland, OR; Putney, VT/El Salvador – & right here in Amherst. All 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.
July 6-8 Fri. & Sat, at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
IS SEX POSSIBLE?
Constance Congdon (Amherst, MA)
Nationally-known playwright, and Amherst resident in her outrageously irreverent solo about the trials and tribulations of sex and dating after you reach 50, 60, … (read more…)
July 8 at 7:30 Special lecture/forum
STAYING VERTICAL: Age, Aging & Ageism in America
led by Ashton Applewhite (NYC)
Author/journalist Ashton Applewhite is interested in why we’re so ambivalent about the prospect of much longer lives. She was too, until she learned more. Her proposition? Fight ageism, not aging. (read more…)
July 13-15 Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
A QUEER DIVINE
Sara Felder (San Francisco, CA)
Back at Ko by popular demand, America’s favorite queer juggler & solo performance artist returns with her new solo comedy. It’s a reflection on the facts of her existence: She can’t dance. She likes art. And people she loves are going to die. (read more…)
July 15, Sun. at 8:00 SPECIAL EVENT – One night only!
COMMUNICATIONS FROM A COCKROACH: Archy and the Under Side
An all ages event by the Mettawee River Theatre Company (NYC) on the Amherst College Observatory Lawn off of Snell Street. Based on the Don Marquis cartoons with live music, live performers and exquisite puppets, performed out under the stars in an atmosphere of magic and celebration. (read more…)
July 20-22 Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
“Good Morning Anita Hill It’s Ginni Thomas I Just Wanted To Reach Across the Airwaves and the Years and Ask You To Consider Something I Would Love You To Consider an Apology Sometime and Some Full Explanation of Why You Did What You Did With My Husband So Give It Some Thought and Certainly Pray About This and Come To Understand Why You Did What You Did Okay Have a Good Day.”
Deb Margolin (NJ)
Yes, it is the longest play title ever – it’s the full text of a voicemail Clarence Thomas’ wife recently left for Anita Hill. The show is what happens when a middle-aged Jewish woman confronts her road rage at the 20-year-old intersection of young motherhood and the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas hearings. With a fair amount of Bristol Palin tossed in. Deb Margolin’s long awaited return to solo performance – and to Ko. (read more…)
July 22 at 8:00 ONE NIGHT ONLY!
KoFest STORY SLAM & PARTY
You’ve heard of poetry slams – competitive poetry events? Now, 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 “Age, Aging or Ageism.” A huge hit last summer; this event might be your opportunity to take your place on the Ko Festival stage alongside KoFest artists & staff. Feeling a bit unsure? We’re offering private storytelling coaching sessions from Ko Festival artists! Everyone should come prepared to listen, but you may want to come prepared to tell! And to help you whet your whistle we’ll have a cash bar. And prizes! All tickets $12. (read more…)
July 27-29 Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
MY MIND IS LIKE AN OPEN MEADOW
Hand2Mouth Ensemble (Portland, OR)
Based on the recorded memoirs of ensemble member Erin Leddy’s grandmother, this meditation on consciousness, memory & things passed down through generations has toured the west coast extensively, and comes to Ko right before its New York premiere. A younger point of view on our season theme. Click HERE to view their latest video trailer! (read more…)
August 3-5 Fri. & Sat, at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.
D-GENERATION: An Exaltation of Larks
Sandglass Theater (Putney, VT)
The world premiere of the ensemble’s collaboration with Salvadoran director Roberto Salomon. With text gathered from nursing home residents using a collective creation process called “Timeslips,” the production is performed with live actors, puppets, video and music. It is a piece about dementia. It is also a piece about play, joy, and communication. (read more…)