WHAT: An evening of interactive improvisational theatre and performance about the Middle East

Named for Astarte, ancient Near Eastern goddess of love and war, whose center of worship was Byblos. She is screaming in frustration because her children cannot get along.

WHERE: EPIC ARTS Tea Room

1923 Ashby Avenue @ MLK, Berkeley

(across from Ashby BART station)

Biking, public transit and carpooling encouraged! {Click here for map.}

WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2006

doors open at 8, event 8:30-11

SEATING IS LIMITED, first come first serve

What are all audience participation theatre games?

About the producer, Casondra Sobieralski

Past events.

Details about the event:

CHALLENGE THE WAR MACHINE WITH LIVING THEATRE!

Astarte’s Scream is an evening devoted to building unity and understanding about and among Middle Eastern cultures through the use of improvisational theatre and performance. This innovative and interactive event takes place on Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 8:30-11:00 at the Epic Arts Tea Room, 1923 Ashby Avenue at MLK in Berkeley.

This evening’s objective is to encourage people to consider that conflict is a failure of creativity, and that creativity is a far more effective tool for solving differences than brute force, manipulation, stereotyping, or taking sides.  We hold this to be true at both the local and global levels.

Our methodology is to use all-audience participation improvisational theatre games, with a character set limited to Near Eastern gods, goddesses, humans and other entities, to facilitate empathy for “The Other” through embodiment and characterization of “The Other.”  In this way we seek to challenge patterns of dualistic thinking--exacerbated by patriarchal, militaristic social structures--that have thrown oil onto fires of mutual distrust.

No acting skills or specialized historical knowledge is needed. We will provide characters and backgrounds about those characters for those participants who need help. As for political savvy, again don't worry; the hope is that we will all build greater awareness through the performance work. All you need is openness and energy!

We also welcome audience members to share relevant music, poems or monologues, including works in progress, in open mic fashion as time allows.  All ages, all gender identities welcome.

OTHER STUFF TO BRING:

Middle Eastern instruments, traditional dance garb, etc., AND LOTS OF FRIENDS!

"Conflict is a failure of creativity."

CONTACT: Casondra Sobieralski, 510.704.1404

"Come, Come whoever you are,

 Wanderer, worshipper, lover of learning,

 It doesn't matter.

 Ours is not a caravan of despair.

 Come, even if you have broken your vow a thousand times.

 Come, yet again, come, come." --Rumi