REQUIEM FOR A PIANO | A Theatrical Autopsy
Happenstance Theater
Inspired by the practical need to move an old piano out of Theatre Project, Happenstance Theater is collaborating with artist Kristin Putchinski to dissect said piano and build a new production around the process.
Part one will be the The Offertorium: a week-long residency where Theatre Project will become an Operating Theatre in which the performers physically disassemble a no-longer-usable piano from bridge to bones. Audiences are invited to attend occasional "Visiting Hours" during the week leading up to the show to witness the process of undoing.
The official production will open on Friday, March 5th and at the beginning of each performance there will be a chance for audiences to pay their respects, as in a Wake, before experiencing the Theatrical Autopsy and Requiem, where we will honor and pay tribute to the history, music, associations. and metaphors of the instrument. Much is discovered in the process of dismantling.
From Pythagoras to Chopin, from tension to release, we will transform grief into spectacle. A variety of functioning pianos will accompany the performance along with sound design by Madeline Oslejsek.
Featuring Stephanie Baird, Gwen Grastorf, Sabrina Mandell and Kristin Putchinski.
*A portion of the ticket sales from this production will be used to purchase and move a better quality, functioning piano into the Theatre.
**Tickets are non-refundable, but may be exchanged for another performance when available.
***Tickets are also available at the door beginning 45 minutes prior to the show.
