Tallahassee Artist’s Workshop goes live with experimental ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ – Tallahassee Democrat
Tallahassee theatre company The Artist’s Workshop offers up a unique and adventurous production beginning Friday, Oct. 1, in the Studio at Theatre Tallahassee.
In the true spirit of a one-night-only performance, the production is presented with a different performer each night who has never read the script or researched the production.
At the start of the show, the performer steps on stage, removes the script from a sealed envelope, and with the audience dives headlong into a theatrical journey unlike any other.
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No do-overs, repeats or encores. The Artist’s Workshop has gathered six of the bravest and most talented actors the Tallahassee area has to offer to accept this daunting challenge.
Part social experiment, part avant-garde meta-theatrical experience, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” was penned by then 29-year-old Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. A conscientious objector to mandatory military service in Iran, Soleimanpour was unable to obtain a passport or leave the country.
Instead, Soleimanpour uses the power of his written text to cross borders and to travel the world vicariously introducing himself to a wide array of diverse international audiences.
Director Jimmy Kontos says, “We could not be prouder to bring ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ to the Tallahassee community. Not only is this a wonderful way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the play’s premiere, but at a time when travel is limited for so many this is a beautiful reminder of innate human connection and the transgressive and transformative power of theatre.”
Each performance features one guest performer, and The Artist’s Workshop production boasts some of Tallahassee’s finest – the revolving cast includes: Gwendolyn Gay, Laura Johnson, Spencer Lail, Eva Nielsen, Santos Sanchez and Erika Stone.
Formed 20 years ago by Kontos, The Artist’s Workshop started as a collective of like-minded artists at Florida State 20 years ago, and has reemerged as a community focused organization over the past few years.
Like many artist’s groups, COVID halted the group’s plans for growth and it is just now resuming operations. “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” is the first production in the three-show season, with small workshops, reading series, and other theatrical engagements throughout the rest of the year.
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If you go
What: “White Rabbit Red Rabbit”