SEASON 17 | OCTOBER 2004

Wake for the Dark Poet
The Antonin Artaud Project

Directed by Heather Barfield
Presented by the VORTEX & Go Bella Works
View production photos here.

Based on the work of early 20th-century French theorist and artist, Antonin Artaud, Wake for the Dark Poet springs from his profound legacy on experimental theater, creating a journey through worlds of fright, wonder, majesty, circus, and memory. Wake for the Dark Poet provides both a celebration of Artaud’s concepts (Theater of Cruelty, Theater and the Plague, Actor as Athlete of the Emotions) and a dream-like, biographical landscape. Puppets, masks, shadows, light, scent, and sound integrate with actors to create a universe unto itself. A remarkably unique theatrical event, Wake for the Dark Poet envelops the spectators in mystery, excitement, and passion. Conceived and directed by VORTEX Associate Artistic Director Heather Barfield, Wake for the Dark Poet integrates pieces of Artaud’s writings and plays with biographical information and experimental techniques to create an original, startling, moving, and memorable theatrical event.

CAST

Scott Daigle, Delany Liming, Betsy McCann and Melissa Vogt, Jeremy Pippin, Errich Petersen, Nicole Trumble, and Gabriel Maldonado.

Production TEAM

Puppets and marionettes designed by Francesca Marquis and Heather Jarry. Masks created by Leonard du Castel. Scenic design by Ann Marie Gordon. Lighting design by Brian S. Davis. Sound design by Chad Salvata. Costume design by Aerin Holman. Director/ Navigator Heather Barfield. Photo by Kenneth B. Gall.

AWARDS

Winner of Three B. Iden Payne Awards,
Outstanding Ensemble Performance: Betsy McCann and Melissa Vogt;
Large Puppet Design: Ann Marie Gordon;
Outstanding Production of a Drama