Roller Derby News
Jan 13
Skaters Cast in Local Theatre Production
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On January 15th, 2010, The LIDA Project begins its fifteenth season of experimental theatre in Denver with Roller Skating With My Cousin. The 15 member cast features 8 current and past skaters from the Denver Roller Dolls.
Co-directed by LIDA’s Artistic Director, Brian Freeland, and guest artist Tonya Malik, this bold, new piece has been devised over several months through The LIDA Project’s unique ensemble development process. Part science lab, part disco, Roller Skating With My Cousin combines the mythology and archetypes of the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel with the sexual revolutionary act of roller skating, while simultaneously asking whether we can all create a custom-designed universe in our kitchen sink and, furthermore, why did Ronald Reagan fail as the anti-Christ and how did he hide the mark of the Beast? This mash-up of themes results in a lively, dark romp in which a synchronized chorus of roller skaters builds a tower under a star-flecked mirror ball sky.
For the coordinators at The LIDA Project, working with the Denver Roller Dolls was a natural match. Says Denver actor Julie Rada, “Engaging the derby girls was important to us because we are always seeking to expand our reach beyond the typical, theatre-going audience. Roller derby has a sub-culture, experimental art has a sub-culture; it seemed like a natural match.”
“Working with the Roller Dolls has been really smooth. These girls are hard-working, risk-taking, and conscientious; they’ve injected a whole new energy into rehearsals and the whole show.”
Rehearsals for the show coincided with the Denver Roller Dolls off-season, which allowed current as well as retired skaters to participate. Some of the league’s best-known athletes will grace the stage, including Angela Death, Ariel “Crash Dance” Quigley, Gabrielle “Fonda Payne” Begeman, Vicky “Slick Vick” Cruz, Danica “ Berlin Brawl” Dolezal and Honey Punches of Throats, as well as retired skaters Sports Racer and Anklebitin’ Annie.
Performances of Roller Skating With My Cousin will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm January 15th through February 20th, 2010. All performances will be at BINDERY | space, 2180 Stout Street, Denver, CO. Tickets may be reserved at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93585, by calling 720.221.3821 or emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for a reservation.
Posted by Kendra Blood at 11:37PM Jan 13 2010
