This production is a ‘Work of Heart’
Work of Heart, which is inspired by the visionary work created by six artists from the Interact Studio, opens April 28 in Minneapolis at The Lab Theater and continues through May 19. The preview performance is April 27.
Work of Heart features actors with and without disabilities. It is an original production filled with music, dance and fantastic adventure, inspired by the paintings, sculptures, poetry and vivid worlds created by six Interact Studio visual artists. Written by Dawn Brody, directed by Leah Adcock-Starr, with new music by Ivey award winner Aaron Gabriel, Work of Heart is a fun and imaginative story of the unlikely hero who must save the world, featuring guest artists Heather Bunch, Leif Jurgensen and Sarah Nargang with the Interact ensemble.
In this remarkable tale of magic, war and transformation, the ancient queen’s diary has been stolen and its secrets could lead to the destruction of the world of Cressily. A terrified nation turns to the only person in all the worlds who can save them—John Mathison, an accountant from Minneapolis. John and Queen Zwelga -along with a cast of memorable creatures and characters —set out on their bold quest to save the world.
The production combines the work of the Interact Theater and the Interact Studio, and brings to life the deeply colorful and complex portfolios of Peder Hagen, Nick Flaming, Matt Zimdars, Anna Halvorson, Eve Newman and Donovan Durham. As with all Interact theater, the play is ensemble created and the multifaceted script development process included contemplation and discussion of the artwork and in-depth interviews with each of the artists.
“Inspiration for the music came from the visual artists themselves,” said Gabriel. “Some songs are originals the artists created, some are inspired by a favorite musical artist and others are collaborative pieces created to help tell the story.”
“Work of Heart is an imaginative hero’s journey through the realms of a fantastical world just beyond the threshold of our own,” said director Adcock-Starr. “A collaborative dance of visual art, theatre, and music, Work of Heart springs from the collective creativity of a dazzling array of artists.”
Audiences will also enjoy the work and portfolios by the six featured visual artists curated by Interact Gallery Coordinator Stephanie Rudd and installed in a unique galley space created at The Lab for this production.
Since 1996, Interact has offered the community a broad-reaching vision of radical inclusion, a philosophy in which every voice and people of every ability come together in a continually enriching stream of human potential and creative achievement. It is the only place of its kind in the nation: a professional-level visual arts studio and theater that supports the creative growth of artists with disabilities.
Interact is continuing its Dis/Cover the Arts offer with this production. Tickets are available for $5 plus a $2.50 transportation subsidy (for people using special needs transportation) are available to people with disabilities and their companions. Tickets can be reserved by calling 612-616-1727 and mentioning “Dis/Cover Tickets”. These tickets are available to people with disabilities plus one companion per person, based on availability. This special program is supported in part by the Medtronic Foundation, and by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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Attend art show
The 49th Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities is April 12-May 11 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, second floor, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, 800 E. 28th St., Mpls. The show is free. Some art is offered for sale. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sat-Sun. ASLinterpretation is offered 5-9 p.m. Thu, April 12. FFI: 612-863-4872, [email protected]
Enjoy a movie tonight
Several theaters around the state offer accommodations for movie-goers, such as captioning or descriptive services. www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with access (AD/CC) features. Find theaters in your area by typing in your zip code. MoPix-equipped Rear Window Captioned Films are listed at cam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn.
Scholarships available
Courage Center has announced that the EMPOWER Scholarships. EMPOWER Scholarships are open to ethnically diverse students for attendance at an institution of higher learning. Applicants must have demonstrated interest in medical or rehabilitation field by having some volunteer involvement related to a healthcare field. Selection is based on the applicant’s intentions, achievements, volunteerism and need. Applicant deadline is May 15 and applicants must be a resident of Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, and must identify how they will use their educational training. Volunteer involvement in the community is required. A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Request an application from Courage Center’s Volunteer Services Department, or download it. FFI: www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/empower_details.aspx
Free house painting
Metro Paint-A-Thon helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities continue to live independently in their own homes. Thousands of volunteers scrape, prime and paint their homes at no cost to the home owner. olunteers from companies, congregations, civic groups, and schools paint homes the weekend of Aug. 4-5. Home owners must own and occupy a single-family home, in need of paint, but not in need of major repairs; live in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington counties; be 60 years of age or older, or have a permanent physical disability or if under age 60 and meet monthly income guidelines. Deadline is May 4. FFI: 612-276-1579; www.paintathon.gmcc.org
Managing Tourette syndrome
Professionals and parents of children with disabilities can join St. Lake City librarian and motivational speaker Josh Hanagarne as he shares the hope-filled story. He’ll discuss his mother’s belief in him and his journey from letting Tourette Syndrome control his life to becoming “the world’s strongest librarian.” He overcame his own case of Tourette Syndrome and is now working to help others. He believes in curiosity, questions, strength, and that things are never so bad they can’t improve. The free talk is at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd, Mpls. Preregister. FFI: 952-838-9000, 1-800-537-2237, [email protected]
