Kiss Kiss Julie - Instigator/Performer

"On a scale of 1 to 10 rank yourself as a lover."

Kiss Kiss Julie is an ensemble-generated performance from the New Orleans based theatre company ArtSpot Productions. Using August Strindberg's 1888 play Miss Julie, as well as the history of New Orleans' red-light district, Storyville, the interactive performance installation explores the subsequent decades' impact on sex, class and gender, and the power dynamics of intimate relationships.

Developed by the ensemble during a 12-month devising process, Kiss Kiss Julie is a site-responsive theatrical event designed for a limited audience of 40 people per show. The performance and rehearsals occurred while Artspot Productions was the artist-in-residence at the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans, LA.

"Kiss Kiss Julie" is an ensemble-generated performance that jumps off from August Strindberg's 1888 play "Miss Julie" to explore the subsequent decades' impact on sex, class and gender. We push our design-driven theater paradigm even further into a realm of visual art installation and interactive exhibit, as we explore this magical piece of New Orleans ground: former indigo plantation, bed and breakfast, restaurant, and reggae dance club. Directed by Kathy Randels, written by Lisa D'Amour and the ensemble, designed by Jeff Becker, performed by Rebecca Mwase, Lisa Shattuck, Nick Slie and Ashley Sparks, with installations by Melisa Cardona, sound by Sean LaRocca, lighting by Hannah Adams, and costumes by Ellen Macomber.

Ensemble: Rebecca Mwase, Lisa Shattuck, Ashley Sparks, and Nick Slie
Directed by Kathy Randels
Text by Lisa D'Amour
Sound by Sean LaRocca
Design by Jeff Becker
Costumes by Ellen Macomber
Lighting by Hannah Adams
Assistant direction by Bonnie Gabel

"This show was an antidote to the symphony of sadness that can surround complicated conversations of gender and sexuality." ~ an audience member

Spring 2012
Joan Mitchell Foundation Center (2275 Bayou Rd.)
New Orleans, LA