May 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dana Werdmuller: (831) 459-3160
dwerdmul@ucsc.edu
THE RIO THEATRE AND SHAKESPEARE SANTA CRUZ ‘PULL BACK THE CURTAIN’
New film takes viewers behind the scenes in the making of SSC’s 2008 Summer Season
Santa Cruz, CA – In the summer of 2008, filmmaker CM Griffiths had unprecedented behind the scenes access to Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s core staff and Company as they prepared for their opening of the 27th season. In the filmmaker’s words, Strange Cadence: a distinct view of Shakespeare Santa Cruz “began as a simple documentary but became an amazing journey witnessing the unfolding of a dramatic season that held social redemption and a common camaraderie within a company of artists.”
One of Artistic Director Marco Barricelli’s objectives as the creative leader of Shakespeare Santa Cruz is to “pull back the curtain” on the making of great theatre. “The level of curiosity and sophistication among theatre-goers has evolved. It used to be, an audience member came and went to a performance and was perfectly satisfied within that contained experience. Now, audiences are interested in a more engaged and dynamic experience, eager to dig deeper and connect with the artists, to travel alongside us on our journey.”
The 2008 season documented in Strange Cadence included the productions of two Shakespeare works in the famed outdoor Glen, Romeo and Juliet and All’s Well That Ends Well, plus two contemporary works on the indoor Mainstage, the searing drama Burn This by Lanford Wilson and the Bay Area première of Itamar Moses’ Bach at Leipzig. The film will take the viewer on a three-month journey that began with the first Company meeting and wrapped up with closing night.
Filmmaker CM Griffiths has been described as a multimedia artist and educator who explores themes of memory, science and mortality through art installations, films, and performance. Strange Cadence combines Griffiths’ interest in drama and documentary with her desire to bring to viewers a new appreciation and understanding of her subject. She holds an MFA in Digital Art and New Media from UCSC.
Artistic Director Barricelli looks forward to revisiting last season's journey. “In the fleeting art form of live theatre, it’s a wonderful gift to be able to look back on something you did and are terribly proud of. And I can’t wait to be reminded of those little moments that brought it all together.”
The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with Marco Barricelli and CM Griffiths and an Opportunity Drawing.
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WHO: The Rio Theatre and Shakespeare Santa Cruz
WHAT: Strange Cadence: a distinct view of Shakespeare Santa Cruz, a film by CM Griffiths
WHERE: Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Running time approx 45 minutes.
COST: Suggested donation of $5-10
MORE: Rio Theatre food concessions will be available for purchase.
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