measure back
a rehearsal for the end of war
by t. ryder smith
measure back
is a free-form theatrical event
using rehearsed and unrehearsed actors,
audience interaction, and live and pre-recorded media
to examine the small and large conflicts
in private and public life
which ultimately manifest themselves
as war.
from the press kit:
“Using elements of epic theatre, improvisation, cue-card dialogue, instructions from torture manuals, tabloid confessions, and quotations from various historical documents, the event seeks various ways to “measure back” to the origins of war in our daily lives. Repeatedly called upon for help, input and participation, the audience is subjected to alternations of sensory overload and deprivation, and are ultimately faced with a terrible choice which they must collectively resolve during that particular, unrepeatable, performance.
The play ultimately asks: Can we end war everywhere, forever, in this room, tonight?”
WARNING:
Measure Back contains references and depictions of extreme violence, war, carnage, rape, racism, and torture.
It also utilizes loud sound, flashing lights, and moments of total darkness.
Photos by Jason Goodman and by the Hinge Collective.
From top: T. Ryder Smith; T. Ryder Smith; Dionne Audain; Caitlin Wells.
contact us at: measurebacktalk@gmail.com