IM SORRY WE ARE SOLD OUT WITH A WAITING LIST

Ojai Valley Artists Theater Ensemble (OVATE) presents: The FURYUS Collaborative Project is an activist performance piece in response to the repeal of Roe v. Wade and the oppression of women.

17 writers contributed to the creation of the play. 

Seating: limited seating on cushioned folding chairs in ¾ round as action will happen in every area of the space. Please refrain from bringing any large or bulky purses as we need them tucked away under chairs. 

Venue: an old clubhouse over 100 years old, small foyer, intimate seating area inside with small stage. 

Tickets: the prices set up to fit any budget, all the seating is the same. You can pay $25 (press on that ticket) or any denomination you can afford.  You choose what's right for you! VIP tickets will get reserved seats. All others are general and are on a first come, first served basis. House opens 30 minutes prior. 

If you have additional questions not covered here, you can contact Susan Kelejian, Artistic Director at 805-901-9001 (text can be quicker.)
 

Description: 

FuryUs weaves Classical Greek text (From Aeschylus' "The Furies"), spoken word, song, dance, tableaux, and verbatim theater into an artistic activism performance piece, which is also called “Devised Theater.”
The intended outcome is to raise awareness, provide an artistic performance, bring people together in supportive collaboration, and ultimately create an artistic activist piece that can be utilized by other communities to create their own unique scripts inside the framework this first play has done. The approach is a process focused on a clear director's vision. This is NOT intended as an anti-male piece, but rather welcoming all genders to ask the question of “why women have been for thousands of years and continue to be oppressed.”

Definition of Devised Theater: frequently called collective creation – is a method of theater-making in which the script or (if it is a predominantly physical work) performance score originates from collaborative, often improvisatory work by a performing ensemble. The ensemble is typically made up of actors, but other categories of theatre practitioners may also be central to this process of generative collaboration, such as visual artists, composers, and choreographers; indeed, in many instances, the contributions of collaborating artists may transcend professional specialization. Devised Theater often combines physical theater elements (eg: Commedia Del Arte) and can have a social agenda theme. 

Definition of verbatim theater: when actors perform their text coming from their self and not a “character.”

Definition of Furies: Greek Erinyes, also called Eumenides, in Greco-Roman mythology, the underworld. They were three goddesses of vengeance and retribution who punished men for crimes against the natural order.

Needs: we are looking for funding for these specific areas: 

1. OVATE has partnered with a Ukrainian theater company (ProEnglish) and we are hoping to bring FURYUS to Kiev as soon as the war is over, and also conduct workshops.

        2. Production funds for the documentary of how devised theatre can create social change, including FURYUS and ProEnglish Theatre's                   women's oppression piece. 

3. Operating costs plus an upcoming teen conservatory workshop

OVATE's Mission:

To create multi-generational and multi-cultural contemporary and classical theater arts with socially relevant themes in education and performance

Vision:
 

 OVATE has a dual focus

1) Educational :

-to provide professional training in world theater and to develop a broader knowledge base for teen and adult performers
 

2) Performance:

-to integrate multi-generations in collaborative, diverse and imaginative performances for the community at large in a safe, creative and process-oriented environment, utilizing theater as a tool for transformation. We specifically are interested in mentoring young theaterr artists (15-25)
 

• In addition to traditional work, the company will incorporate original and blended plays in readings, workshops, and productions.
   
• Company members will develop a solid foundation in world classics while working together in a specific and stylized technique that is process focused. 
   
• The company is looking to collaborate with Ojai residents, businesses and community groups in creative endeavors.
   
• Aspects of visual and fine arts, music, and dance will be incorporated in the productions to uphold the artistic vision.