THE WASPS by Aristophanes
March 4th, 7pm MST - Zoom Production
Original Music & All Star Cast in One of the World's Greatest Comedies

Relative Theatrics presents THE WASPS by Aristophanes, March 4, 2021 at 7pm MST, via Zoom. This Classic Greek play is adapted by Dr. Laura De Lozier, directed by Noelia Berkes, and features original music composition by Noelia Berkes with musical direction by Francesca Mintowt-Czyz and musical arrangement by Tami Lippstreu.The all-star cast for THE WASPS features Brik Berkes, Madison Blanchard, Chastity Brown, Sheree V. Campbell, Caro Coltman, Lem Grady, Greta Lambert, Caroline McBurney, and Cheri Vanden Heuvel, with virtual stage management by Sarah Kralovec.

THE WASPS is a Classic Greek comedy by Aristophanes, and is considered by some to be one of the world’s great comedies. It pokes satirical fun at the Athenian demagogue Cleon and his power-base, the law courts, in a story about the old juror Philocleon who is addicted to his jury work and his child Bdelycleon’s ill-fated attempts to reform him. Along with featuring original music, The Relative Theatrics production is gender-bent with women playing the title roles, examining how we treat older people in our society, and the tension between the old and the new. 

Following the reading, a Post-Show Discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Laura De Lozier. Dr. Laura De Lozier is the Classics Section Coordinator in the Department of Modern & Classical Languages at the University of Wyoming where she teaches Latin as well as Classics courses about Greek and Roman cultures.

Tickets: Free!
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Relative Theatrics strives to present thought-provoking theatre that examines the joining qualities of the human race. We believe that theatre is a forum with the power to illuminate the binding qualities of humanity and reinforce the ideals that as a society we have values that pose as common ground and emotions that relate us to one another. Taking artistic risk, we provide a community gathering place where thoughts can be exchanged about society, culture, and the power of creativity.

Where to listen: via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on the Modern West website, or by following this link.

Time needed: 20 minutes

What it's about: The U.S. government only allows Native Americans to register with one tribe. But what happens when two tribes share one reservation for over a century? Reporter Taylar Stagnar talks with two women who grapple with how that affected their identity growing up.​

​Discussion questions:

• What did you know about Native languages and culture before listening to this episode? What did you learn?
• We learn in the episode that the US Government never made good on a promise to the Arapho people. Can you think of other examples where the government has broken promises to Native people?
• The women interviewed say they feel pulled by two different cultures since they are part of two tribes but can only claim one. How do you feel about this? Do you think they should be allowed to claim more than one tribe? Why or why not?
• Sarah claims that through the Arapaho language, she is able to communicate with birds. If you watch the video, what do you make of this? What can this tell us about Native peoples' relationship with the natural world?

​Where to read: via Advocate.com, or by following this link.
Time needed: 10 minutes.
What it's about: Actor John Casey reflects on the last year from an LGBTQIA perspective, and looks forward to what's to come this year. 

Discussion questions: 

• Casey compares Covid-19 to the AIDS crisis in the 80's, with the term 'testing positive' being a death sentence then, and a potentially lethal phrase now. Do you see any other comparisons between the two epidemics? How are they they same, and how are they different?
• The article asserts that how this year plays out will determine whether 2020 actually 'beat us' or not. What are your hopes for the year on a personal, community, and national level? How will you determine whether 2020 'beat you'?
• What lessons do you hope we learned from 2020 from an equality perspective?
• Casey ends with the quote 'A bad performance haunts the audience like a nightmare for days and days, and the memory of it is only erased by a good performance.' Do you think we have the capacity to change 2021 into a 'good performance'? Why or why not?

Join Relative Theatrics for a fun and free virtual reading of Star Wars: A Christmas Carol Parody! The real story of "A Christmas Carol'' happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. A parody of the timeless holiday classic told with the characters from the universe you know and love. “May the Force be with you, everyone!”

This Facebook Live production is directed by Christopher Lemieux and features: John Henry Carter, Isa Jackowich, Kayla Eisenberg, James Bowen, Parke Fech, Justen Glover, Chris Lemieux, Jared Mohr-leiva, Alex Soto, Noelia Berkes, Brik Berkes, Michael Quattrone, and Alice Sherman.

The program can be viewed live on Relative Theatrics’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RelativeTheatrics

Although the programming is free, Relative Theatrics encourages making a donation at relativetheatrics.com/support.

Relative Theatrics strives to present thought-provoking theatre that examines the joining qualities of the human race. We believe that theatre is a forum with the power to illuminate the binding qualities of humanity and reinforce the ideals that as a society we have values that pose as common ground and emotions that relate us to one another. Taking artistic risk, we provide a community gathering place where thoughts can be exchanged about society, culture, and the power of creativity.

All 2020/21 Programming by Relative Theatrics is supported in part by grants from the Wyoming Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyoming Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.


STAR WARS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL PARODY - Fact Sheet

CAST
P30 - John Henry Carter
R’doo-B’boo/Rey - Isa Jackowich
Paddy-Mae - Kayla Eisenberg
Zota - James Bowen
Dark Lord Nader - Parke Fech
Star-Trooper Bob/T0P3R - Justen Glover
Emperor / Blabba the Blob / Lewie - Chris Lemieux
Old Man Ken / Kenenobi - Jared Mohr-leiva
Larkin / JJ-8BRAMS - Alex Soto
Princess Two Buns - Noelia Berkes
Franz Polo / Doda Flett / Pilot Joe - Brik Berkes
Danakin / Duke / Cry-Baby Ren - Michael Quattrone
Kiwi-Jon-Ginn / Captain Fanta - Alice Sherman

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Christopher Lemieux
Sound Effects & Stage Directions - Kendall Yoder

LOCATION
https://www.facebook.com/RelativeTheatrics

TICKET PRICES
Free
Donations can be made at RelativeTheatrics.com/support

Season 8: A New Way Forward continues with LONELINESS WAS A PANDEMIC by Olivia Haller, November 6-22, Streaming Virtually. This hybrid theatre/film production, directed by Amanda Alch and Jared Mohr-Leiva, and featuring Justen Glover, Isa Jackowich, Bailey Patterson, and Alex Soto, questions the consequences of technology and the necessity for humanity.

Robots have finally advanced enough to realize they can do everything better than humans - except make art. The robots have done away with all humans except for a select few artists. When one human is tasked with teaching a robot how to paint, they grapple with the question of whether such a thing is possible, and whether they would want to do it at all. Could robots ever be capable of creating art, and if so, could they also be capable of compassion? Or is the human's need for companionship more important than their handle on reality?
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In addition to raising meaningful questions about the value of art and human connection in a technological world, the play addresses concerns surrounding surveillance and privacy. “[Directors] Amanda and Jared have highlighted these themes in a creative and engaging manner through the execution of the production,” says Relative Theatrics Founder/Producing Artistic Director, Anne Mason. “They have chosen to film the piece from a stationary camera angle that mimics the motions of a security camera, bringing the audience into the world of the play as that ever-present voyeuristic character.” Audiences view the play by streaming the production from their own devices, in their own homes.

Tickets:  $15

Subscribers and Individual Ticket Buyers will receive a private viewing link for at-home streaming on November 6th that can be viewed at any time through November 22nd.

Relative Theatrics strives to present thought-provoking theatre that examines the joining qualities of the human race. We believe that theatre is a forum with the power to illuminate the binding qualities of humanity and reinforce the ideals that as a society we have values that pose as common ground and emotions that relate us to one another. Taking artistic risk, we provide a community gathering place where thoughts can be exchanged about society, culture, and the power of creativity.

LONELINESS WAS A PANDEMIC is supported in part by grants from the Wyoming Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyoming Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

​Olivia Haller is a writer and dramaturg currently based in the DC Metro area. Her stage plays have been presented at or developed with Convergence Theatre (2018 Women's Voices Theater Festival), 2cents Theatre Group (2020 INK Fest), NextStop Theatre Company, Spooky Action Theatre, Theater Alliance, Keegan Theatre, Rorschach Theatre, Nu Sass Productions, and the Inkubator New Works Development Laboratory. Olivia was a finalist in the 19-20 Tennessee Williams Literary Festival One-Act Play Contest. She has completed a residency at the Vermont Studio Center, and attended the Midwest Dramatists Conference and the Kenyon Playwrights' Conference. She is currently a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Playwrights' Center. Olivia holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University and is a candidate for UCLA's Professional Program in Writing for Television (drama).

Suppliants by Euripides; Directed by Noelia Berkes; Discussion led by Dr. Laura De Lozier; Featuring Cheri Vanden Heuvel, Francesca Mintowt-Czyz, Peter Parolin, Justen Glover, and Bailey Patterson.

Coming to our virtual stage, Relative Theatrics presents a rarely-performed and thought provoking play by Euripides. Suppliants is a tragedy about war and the dead, existential dread, dignity, faith, and resilience. It is based on a time before the Trojan War, when the Thebans defeated the Athenians, and would not allow them to retrieve their dead and bury them for several days. The mothers of the Argive generals who perished (joined by Adrastus, King of Argos) plead with Theseus, King of Athens, to let them retrieve and bury their dead sons. In response to this just plea, Theseus sends a message to Creon, king of Thebes. Soon, a Theban messenger arrives, bringing a message to Theseus: he is to drive Adrastus and the mothers away, or else the Theban army will attack. 

Presented in conjunction with Reading Greek Tragedy Online, a weekly series of scene readings and discussions presented by the Center for Hellenic Studies, the Kosmos Society, and Out of Chaos. https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/7081

Translation and performance permission granted by Cecelia Luschnig.

Relative Theatrics strives to present thought-provoking theatre that examines the joining qualities of the human race. We believe that theatre is a forum with the power to illuminate the binding qualities of humanity and reinforce the ideals that as a society we have values that pose as common ground and emotions that relate us to one another. Taking artistic risk, we provide a community gathering place where thoughts can be exchanged about society, culture, and the power of creativity.

The reading will take place at 7p MDT on Thursday, September 24th. Register for the reading via Zoom at  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrf-msqDwrHtM8HfhIBpX8NyIZG65DzXZX.  Following the reading, we invite viewers to join us via video chat for a discussion led by Dr. Laura De Lozier. The performance and discussion will not be livestreamed.

A video of the reading will be viewable on the Relative Theatrics YouTube Channel the following week.

Tickets:  We are encouraging a $10 donation to Relative Theatrics.

Wine, Cheese, and Theatre all from the comfort and safety of your own home? Yes, please!
Relative Theatrics is pairing up with Chalk N' Cheese, "Pairings at CnC" to bring you select Wine and Cheese pairings suited to our upcoming Virtual Play Reading. Pick up your pairing today and enjoy the full experience while tuning in online. Chalk n’ Cheese will donate 10% of all Virtual Reading Wine/Cheese Pairing Sales to Relative Theatrics! What a delectable way to support your local theatre!

Productions in our virtual programming are supported in part by grants from the Wyoming Humanities, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The Wyoming Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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​Where to listen: via Apple Podcasts or the Think Wyoming website, or by following this link - https://www.thinkwy.org/first-but-last/sara-burlingame

Time needed: 25 minutes

What it's about: host Emy diGrappa interviews Sara Burlingame, who is the Executive Director of Wyoming Equality, and also represents Wyoming House District 44 in the Wyoming legislature.

Discussion questions:

Burlingame talks about being an organizer and activist from a young age. She says that she realized that she wants her activism 'to be dialogue driven.' Do you agree? Is dialogue the most effective way towards social change?

Burlingame discusses that the verbiage surrounding women's suffrage in Wyoming can be problematic, because the state only granted white women the right to vote. How does this shape your feelings about suffrage and Wyoming calling itself the equality state?

diGrappa and Burlingame discuss both the Bechdel test and the 'Jackalope test.' What do you think of these? Will they influence how you view movies, committees, policy making, etc. in the future? Why or why not?

Burlingame ends with a James Baldwin quote: 'We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression.' Does this quote resonate with you? Why or why not?
How do you feel this podcast relates to And The Wind Howls, and the issues that are brought up in it?

​TO JOIN THE PROGRAM

• Login to your email provider on your computer.
• Open email from Relative Theatrics.

OR

• Login to your facebook account on your computer.
• Go to the Relative Theatrics Event that you wish to attend.
• Click on the Zoom Link provided by Relative Theatrics.
• A pop-up window will show up.
• Click Allow on the pop-up window to allow your computer to run the Zoom meeting.
• You will be placed in a waiting room (you don’t need to do anything at this point!).
• When the host lets you in, you will be “allowed” into the room.
• A pop up window will show up.
• Click Use Computer Audio.
• At this point, you will be able to hear/see everyone, but they will not be able to hear/see you.
• If you look on the bottom left hand corner of your Zoom window, you will see 2 buttons: a microphone icon and a video icon, both with a red line through them.
  • For you to be heard, click the microphone icon. The red line will disappear on that icon, and you will be “unmuted.” 
  • For you to be seen, click on the video icon. The red line will disappear on that icon, and your camera will turn on, allowing your video to appear.
• In order to see all video participants equally on your screen, look to the top right corner of your Zoom window, and click the button titled Gallery View. 
  • If you are already in Gallery View, you will be given the option to select “Speaker View.” If this is the case, do not select “Speaker View” - you are already all set up to see the program in the format in which it is intended to be viewed!
• One more task and you’ll be good to go! Next to the video icon in the bottom left corner there is an upward pointing arrow. 
  • Click on it and select Video Settings.
• A pop-up window will show up.
• In the Meetings: section, click on the box next to Hide Non-Video Participants.
• Voila! You have successfully joined the Zoom meeting for our virtual programming.

DURING THE PROGRAM

• Relative Theatrics will admit you into a special “Breakout Room” in order to view and participate in the program.
• A pop-up window will show up saying, “The host is inviting you to join Breakout Room: Performance Space.”
• Click Join Breakout Room.
• Another pop-up window will show up while Zoom moves you to the new Breakout Room (You don’t need to do anything at this point!).
• If you look on the bottom left hand corner of your Zoom window, you will see 2 buttons: a microphone icon and a video icon. These control your microphone and your camera.
  • If there is not already a red line through them, please click on them in order to turn off your video and microphone.
  • You will know they are turned off when the red line appears through each icon.
• At the bottom center of your Zoom window, there is a speech bubble icon. This icon is connected to the Chat function of the Zoom Meeting Room.
  • Click on the icon in order to view the chat box. It will pop up to the right of the Zoom participant videos that you are viewing.
  • Interact with your fellow viewers by posting responses to the program in the chat box, i.e. “LOL” for something funny, “Whoa!” for something surprising, “Awe” for something heartwarming, etc.

AFTER THE PROGRAM

• Feel free to turn on your video at this point by clicking on the video icon in the bottom left hand corner of your Zoom window.
• To catch our discussion proctor’s attention, you can visually raise your hand if your video is on OR you can use the “Raise Hand” function on Zoom.
  • Along the bottom of the Zoom Window, click on the Participants icon (it looks like the outline of two bodies).
  • A window will appear to the right of your Zoom window, above the chat box.
  • At the bottom of the window, there is a Raise Hand icon that looks like a hand. Click on this icon to raise your virtual hand for our discussion proctor to call on you.
• If/When you would like to ask questions or share comments, “unmute” yourself by clicking on the microphone icon in the bottom left hand corner of your Zoom window.
• You can also ask questions or share comments by posting them in the chat box.
• When you are ready to leave, click the red button in the lower right hand corner of your Zoom screen, titled Leave.
• One final pop up meeting will come up giving you the option to “Leave Room” or “Leave Meeting.” Click Leave Meeting to successfully leave the Zoom call. ​