Theatre Arts Productions debuts original work ‘Icarus at the Border’
Co-produced by Tavia La Follette and artist-in-residence Malcom Purkey, the music and theatre arts collaboration takes on Greek mythology, border politics and addiction
November 12, 2019
This weekend, Assistant Professor Tavia La Follette will see several years of collaboration come to fruition with the first performance of “Icarus at the Border.”
Debuting at the Center for the Arts’ Studio Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 14, “Icarus” is an original theatre work La Follette co-produced and directed with renowned South African theatre artist Malcolm Purkey, in residence in the Department of Theatre Arts this year.
Listen: Purkey discusses the production for COFAC’s Art Without Boundaries podcast
Created with input from students, the original production is a partnership between the theatre and music departments. Attendees can expect a multimedia production incorporating puppets, shadow play, animation, singing of original compositions and musical accompaniment in the form of percussion, Purkey explains.
Through the Greek myth of Icarus and the birth of the Minotaur, the production explores modern issues such as border politics and addiction.
In preparation for “Icarus,” La Follette constructed a 6-foot-tall Minotaur’s head out of papier mâché. She built the monstrous prop for with assistance by recent theatre grad Emily Smith ’19.
Projects like “Icarus” are opportunities for La Follette to do what she loves—collaborate. And that means creative, experiential opportunities for students.
“I am an ensemble-driven director,” she says, referring to the style of devising theatre that involves, instead of a single playwright, a group of individuals creating a work collaboratively.
Last year, La Follette and Purkey co-taught an ensemble class populated by undergraduate- and master’s-level students who learned about ensemble work by doing it.
Get Tickets
ICARUS AT THE BORDER, a meditation on monstrous appetites
November 14 – 23
Center for the Arts, Studio Theatre
Written and directed by Malcom Purkey and Tavia La Follette
May contain material recommended for mature audiences.
Get tickets
In the name of “Icarus,” they researched mythology, built costumes and props, and engaged in theatre exercises from which emerged inspiration and moments that La Follette says they will recognize in the final work.
“The most exciting part,” says the M.F.A. co-director, “is that process of working with students to figure out what the show is. That process is the sacred part of why I do what I do.”
The play features some of those same students from the class in the cast. Also in on the act are music students who participated in the ensemble to develop percussive accompaniment.
For La Follette, working collaboratively is essential for creativity.
“It gives us” she says, “a multifaced lens through which to view the world.”