Fri 3/26-Sat 4/3
Sat 4/10-Sun 4/11
Akron-based New World Performance Lab (NWPL) is relocating to Europe in the spring when company co-founders James Slowiak and Jairo Cuesta depart from Northeast Ohio. (Given how well-travelled the ensemble is, it’s possible they’ll be back for a visit at some point).
But before they go, the experimental theater group will be presenting a series of events this spring in Akron, the first of which is Across the River (Al otro lado del rio), a solo performance by Cuesta, directed by Slowiak and written by Josy Jones.
The timely production gives another view on the current lopsided discussion on immigration, seeing it through the eyes of the migrant. It looks at what it means for someone to leave their own country to go to another where they aren’t necessarily welcome.
“Using both autobiographical details and stories from the field and fiction, Cuesta weaves a mythic tale of the perils, heartaches, wanderings and wonders of leaving one’s home to settle in another country,” they say in their description of the piece. “The result is a performance that sparks many questions about sacrifice, violence, freedom, and the experience of the immigrant today. It’s a contemporary odyssey that confronts each of us with the basic truth about how we receive those who ‘cross the river.’”
The live performances will play to size-restricted audiences at the Balch Street Theatre on March 26, 27, 29 and 31, and April 1, 2 and 3 a@ 8pm and March 28 @ 7pm. Two performances will live streamed on Saturday April 10 @ 8pm and Sunday, April 11 @ 2pm.
Suggested ticket price is $25 or pay-what-you-will. Reservations are essential. Go here or call 330-678-8408. For info about the live streamed performances go to nwplab.com.