Eyes THIS ADRIENNE TRUSCOTT Wide Lights Low

at MCA May 2–4, 2019 Thu–Sun Notes Program

Stage Theater Edlis Neeson STAGE MCA

Winter/Spring THIS running time is 60 2018–19 minutes with no intermission. SUPPORT FOR THIS Writing, Concept, Adrienne Truscott THIS ADRIENNE TRUSCOTT MCA STAGE PROJECT and Performance FROM THE CURATOR Direction Ellie Heyman What if you aim for failure, rather than run from it? For Adrienne Truscott, everything she does on stage carries the Set, Video, and Carmine Covelli Sound Design possibility of failure, and that palpable risk becomes her certainty that something interesting is bubbling up in her work. Right when things could go terribly wrong and Lighting Design Mary Ellen Stebbins the stakes are high, a certain rigor and focus become necessary. But so does acceptance of her own messiness: ______she embraces the possibilities that open up when breaking MCA PRODUCTION CREW down onstage is not a mistake, but a crucial part of the SUPPORT FOR THE Lighting Supervisor Matt Sharp show. Truscott will try anything. ARTISTS Financial and in-kind Audio Engineer Mati Johnson support for THIS is Over the last four years, inserting comedy into her dance, provided by New York Live Arts, the Foundation Stagehand Matt Bearor circus, and performance art projects—and vice-versa—has for Contemporary Art, Mount Tremper Arts, taken Truscott into the contentious (and often misogynist) Tuxedo Cat, Sid Gold’s Wardrobe Anna Martin Request Room, Adelaide world of stand-up, as in her show Asking For It: A One- Fringe, and CATCH. Technical Crew Lena Aubrey, Sam Clapp Lady Rape About Comedy Starring Her Pussy and Little Else! Danny Drust, Hanna Elliot As she said on a recent panel about “serious comedy,” Theresa Murphy, Devonte Washington sometimes “the terms and visibility of your discomfort with my work are also the terms of my ‘success.’” Truscott’s forays into stand-up have brought new strategies for holding an audience’s attention into her repertoire, and she switches between them at the speed of light. In THIS, she leaves the comedy club behind to try to make a dance again—but you won’t see any dancing here. Instead, THIS treats text like choreography and narrative like a living thing, changing each moment. Truscott puts herself through the paces of her personal story, mining her life and wide range of styles for material. In doing so, she throws herself—and us—off balance: What is fiction? What is true? What is personal? What is fair game for everyone? And why on earth make performance at all? May 2–4, 2019 Thu–Sun Notes Program But that’s for you to decide—or at least you can try.

Tara Aisha Willis Associate Curator of Performance Theater Edlis Neeson STAGE MCA ABOUT THE WORK THIS is a solo performance that may not always be a solo, a dance that may not be a dance, and a comedy that may not always be funny. It is a performance that continually shifts to reflect the moment at hand­­—the venue and location, the current news cycle, and the experience of time as it transforms in our memory. It plays with a range of assumptions—about authorship, the linearity of narrative, truth, and autobiography. THIS is a performance that addresses trauma, despite the traumatic inadequacy of making art in the current political landscape.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RELATED PROGRAMS POST-SHOW TALK Fri, May 3, immediately following performance Please stay after the performance for a brief conversation with Adrienne Truscott and Associate Curator of Performance Tara Aisha Willis.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ACCESSIBLE EVENTS ASL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION AND RELAXED PERFORMANCE Sun, May 5, 2 pm

Adrienne Truscott, THIS. Photo: Ian Douglas. ABOUT THE ARTISTS ADRIENNE TRUSCOTT (Writing, artist, Truscott wears many hats Concept, and Performance) has and is attracted to the possibility of been making multi-genre, multi- failure as a mandate for rigor. platform work for more than twenty years. She’s a choreographer, ELLIE HEYMAN (Direction) is a New comedian, writer, and performance York–based theater director. Her maker, and has been one half of work is best known for its athletic The Wau Wau Sisters, a fifteen- physicality and visually imaginative year-long collaboration and aesthetic. She is the Director in boundary-busting cabaret/circus act. Residence of Joe’s Pub at the Public Her group choreographic works Theater. Heyman also directed, with (THIS; they will use the highways; long-term collaborator Julian Koster Genesis, no! Ha! A Solo; Bermuda/ of the band Neutral Milk Hotel, The Disappearance [never performed]; Traveling Imaginary, a theatrical make, I mean; and Too Freedom) have rock show, rated in the “top five been presented in New York by shows of the year” by National American Realness, Dance Theater Public Radio and a Time Out “Critic’s Workshop, Danspace Project, The Pick” on two continents. She also Kitchen, PS122, Movement Research codirected/developed the narrative at Judson Memorial Church, New podcast The Orbiting Human Circus York Live Arts, and at Project Arts (of the Air), presented by Night Vale Centre, Dublin, among others. Her Presents. It’s been downloaded critically acclaimed solo evening more than four million times, rated Adrienne Truscott’s Asking For It: number one 1 in Apple Podcasts and A One-Lady Rape About Comedy featured in the New York Times, Starring Her Pussy and Little Else! Wired, The Telegraph, and The won the Edinburgh Foster’s Panel Guardian (Top Podcasts of 2016) and Prize, the Malcolm Hardee Award features Charlie Day, John Cameron for Innovation in Comedy and Mitchell, Mandy Patinkin, and Tim was a finalist for the Total Theatre Robbins. Recent credits include Jason Award for Playing With Form Craig and Dave Malloy’s Beardo (United Kingdom) and is considered (Drama Desk Award Nomination, a critical impetus for the current Pipeline Theatre) Erin Markey: Boner conversation about rape culture. She Killer (Under the Radar/The Public is a 2014 Doris Duke Impact Award Theater, New York); Becca Blackwell’s Artist, a 2016 FCA Artist Grant They, Themself and Schmerm (Under recipient (theater/performance the Radar/The Public Theater); art), a 2017 Adelaide Fringe Artist Adrienne Truscott’s THIS (Bessie Ambassador (Australia), and a Award Nomination for Outstanding 2017 Bessie-nominated artist for Production, New York Live Arts Outstanding Production for THIS. (NYLA). International credits include She has performed at the Sydney Elevation 506 in Bulgaria with Yasen Opera House’s Festival of Dangerous Vasilev and Home/Yuva in Istanbul Ideas, on the cult storytelling with Sami Berat Marcali. Many of series The Moth, and occasionally these shows are continuing to tour contributes to The Guardian. Her throughout 2019. Her work has been essays have been published in two presented in New York by Abrons Australian anthologies—Women of Art Center, Big Theater, The Drama Letters: Between Us and Doing It: League, En Garde Arts, La Mama, Women Tell the Truth about Great New World Stages, the LaGuardia Sex. THIS premiered at New York Performing Arts Center, NYLA, New Live Arts in April 2017. Wild Bore, a York Theater Workshop, The Public project Truscott spearheaded Theater/Joe’s Pub and, in Brooklyn, as a commissioned collaboration at the Bushwick Starr and Banana with artists of the United Kingdom Bag and Bodice, as well as at the and Australia at The Malthouse Kennedy Center, Washington, DC; the (Melbourne), is currently on tour Boston Center for American Perfor- and was recently nominated for mance; Brown University, Providence, a 2018 Green Room Theatre Award Rhode Island; the University of for Best Writing and received the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Duke award for Best Ensemble. As an University, Durham, North Carolina; Adrienne Truscott, THIS. Photo: Ian Douglas. ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION Franklin & Marshall College, University, Montclair, New Jersey). Select MCA Stage Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and indie Her collaborators include Ars Nova, performances include rock clubs across the United States. Bristol Valley Theater, Columbia open-captioning, Boomtown sign-interpritation, Her recent projects include Stages, Gotham Chamber Opera, listening devices, or by Dane Terry (PS122 COIL 2018), a Manhattan School of Music, Monica are sensory relaxed. stripped-down jazz underscored A Bill Barnes, New Repertory Theatre, Please call Streetcar Named Desire (Ubuntu The New School, and Pipeline 312-397-4010 in advance to reserve Theater Project, Oakland, California), Theatre (all in New York) and Banana seats and inclusive and the new Talking Band Show. Bag and Bodice in Brooklyn, as well services. She is a graduate of Northwestern as Princeton University. She has been University and received her MFA in residence with HOWL Ensemble from Boston University. Heyman is and Third Space and was a 2016 also a Fellow and Artist in Residence Henry Hewes Award nominee. She at the Drama League Directing, and was a 2014 Live Design Young Designer a Time Warner Directing Fellow to Watch, received the 2011 USITT at the Women’s Project Theatre, Barbizon Lighting Design Award, –––––––––––––––––––– New York. was named a 2009 Hangar Theatre BUY TICKETS Lab Company Design Fellow, and is ONLINE CARMINE COVELLI (Set, Sound, a union member of USA 829. Stebbins mcachicago.org/stage and Video Design) splits time has an MFA from Boston University BY PHONE between Brooklyn and Tivoli, New and an AB from Harvard University. 312-397-4010 York, Covelli is the drummer for The AT THE MCA Julie Ruin (Run Fast, Hit Reset) and BOX OFFICE plays the drums for comedy/cabaret 220 E Chicago Ave superstars Bridget Everett (and The Chicago, IL 60611 Tender Moments), Meow Meow, Single performance and occasionally, Alan Cumming, tickets starting at $30; $10 for students, limited among others. He appears in the availability. comedy special Bridget Everett: Groups of ten or more Gynecological Wonder, which aired save 20% on full-price on Comedy Central. As an actor/ tickets; call 312-397-4010. performer he’s been featured in several works by Adrienne Truscott and performance artist Neal FREE MUSEUM Medlyn. His relaxed yet confident ADMISSION dancing skills were highlighted on WITH TICKET the last episode of season 2 of Inside ––––––––––––––––– Amy Schumer along with Ad-Rock Present your MCA (Beastie Boys) and Bridget Everett. Stage ticket stub to receive FREE He’s designed video for the iconic ADMISSION* and 10% pop-punk dance band Le Tigre’s live off your purchase at the MCA Store.** shows and shot all the footage for Or become an MCA their concert documentary Who Member and save 15%. Took The Bomp? He’s made several Ticket stub is valid short films and the web series during regular hours up to seven days after People Are Detectives and is codirector the performance date. with Adam Horovitz on a film about * Not accepted art critic and fireworks enthusiast for special ticketed Peter Schjeldahl, currently in post- exhibitions. ** Regular price, production. Covelli makes soundscapes in-stock merchandise for theater and enjoys working with only; no other wood and developing computer- discounts apply. based interactive exhibits for museums. MARY ELLEN STEBBINS (Lighting Design) has recently worked on Black Inscription (Prototype Festival, HERE Arts Center, New York), War Stories (Opera Philadelphia), Olagón (Eighth Blackbird), Orpheus Unsung (Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, and Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey), and Quixote (Peak Adrienne Truscott, THIS. Photo: Ian Douglas. Performances at Montclair State CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SEASON CALENDAR Michael O’Grady PRITZKER DIRECTOR Madeleine Grynsztejn JAMES W. ALSDORF DATE NIGHT CHIEF CURATOR 2019 WINTER/SPRING Michael Darling –––––––––––––––––––– Jan 24–27 Mariano Pensotti PERFROMANCE ASSOCIATE CURATOR Arde brillante en los bosques Tara Aisha Willis ASSISTANT DIRECTOR de la noche (Burning bright Kendall Karg THEATER PRODUCTION in the forest of the night) MANAGER Richard Norwood ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Feb 7–10 Ingri Fiksdal and Matt Sharp Jonas Corell Petersen CURATORIAL ASSISTANT STATE Laura Paige Kyber ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Anthony Williams

Feb 11–13 Ingri Fiksdal FORMER METCALF INTERN Diorama Hana Okamoto FORMER INTERNS Giannella Ysasi Tavano Mar 21–24 Annie Dorsen Nathan Lamp –––––––––––––––––––– HOUSE MANAGEMENT The Great Outdoors ASSOCIATES Phill Cabeen Cameron Heinze Apr 18–21 Yan Duyvendak and Lacey Whittaker –––––––––––––––––––– Omar Ghayatt BOX OFFICE MANAGER Still in Paradise Matti Allison ASSISTANT MANAGER Marisol Escobar. Photo: Herman Hiller. Phongtorn Phongluantum Apr 25–28 Yan Duyvendak and COORDINATOR Roger Bernat Molly Laemle VISITOR SERVICES Join us for dinner or drinks before or after the theater at ASSISTANTS Please, Continue (Hamlet) Julia Kriegel Marisol, named one of the “hottest restaurants in Chicago” Caitlin Joseph by Zagat and one of Vogue's “Six Chicago Restaurants ASSOCIATES Stephanie Branco You Should Know About Now.” Call 312–799–3599 to make May 2–5 Adrienne Truscott Malcolm Evans Graham Feyl reservations. THIS Cagla Gillis Peyton Lynch Janelle Miller Georgie Morvis Jill Perez May 9–12 Manuela Infante Grace Wellin Lisa West Estado Vegetal Lacey Whittaker Program notes compiled by Laura Paige Kyber

RESTAURANT AND BAR 205 E PEARSON ST AT THE MCA CHICAGO, IL 60611 SUPPORT FOR ABOUT ENACT ABOUT MCA STAGE MCA STAGE Lead support for the MCA Stage is supported As an internationally renowned institution devoted to contemporary 2018–19 season of MCA by Enact, a group of culture, the Museum of Stage is provided by MCA donors dedicated to Contemporary Art Chicago presents Elizabeth A. Liebman. supporting the museum’s the most thought-provoking visual renowned Stage programs. art and performing arts of our time. MCA Stage is a vibrant series presenting theater, dance, and Generous support Join today for opportunities music by leading artists from the is provided by: to meet artists and gain United States and around the behind-the-scenes access world in the MCA’s three-hundred- Lois and Steve Eisen alongside MCA curators—all seat Edlis Neeson Theater. and The Eisen Family while providing vital support. MCA Stage’s groundbreaking Foundation performances are an integral part Ginger Farley and Circle Donor membership of the MCA’s artist-activated, audience-engaged programming. Bob Shapiro is required to join Enact. Along with the museum’s exhibitions The Martha Struthers Enact donations begin at and educational initiatives, they Farley and Donald C. $1,000 annually. For more encourage a broad and diverse Farley Jr. Family information on benefits community to experience and discuss Foundation or to join, contact us at the work and ideas of living artists. Susan Manning and [email protected] PARKING Doug Doetsch or 312-397-4044. Validate your ticket at the coat Ock Ju Noh check for $12 parking in the MCA garage (220 E Chicago Ave) and Sharon* and Lee Oberlander The MCA is a proud the Bernardin garage (747 North Maya Polsky and member of the Museums in Wabash). The $12 parking is Nicholas Bridon the Park and receives major limited to six hours on the date of Carol Prins and John Hart/ support from the Chicago performance. The Jessica Fund Park District. LOST AND FOUND Ellen Stone Belic To inquire about a lost item, call the museum at 312-280-2660. FOUNDATION SEASON Unclaimed articles are held for Additional support for SPONSOR thirty days. MCA Stage is provided by: SEATING Please switch off all noisemaking Ms. Shawn M. Donnelley devices while you are in the theater. and Dr. Christopher Patrons are seated at the M. Kelly management’s discretion. Food and Nicholas and Nancy open beverage containers are not Giampietro allowed in the seating area. Carol Honigberg REPRODUCTION Cynthia Hunt and HOTEL SPONSOR Unauthorized recording and Philip Rudolph reproduction of a performance are Anne L. Kaplan prohibited. Anne and John Kern GENERAL INFORMATION D. Elizabeth Price and 312-280-2660 Lou Yecies BOX OFFICE 312-397-4010 *Enact Chair VOLUNTEER FOR PERFORMANCES As of March 2019 312-397-4072 [email protected]

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