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In the news: Theater piece explores race, class in Boulder Brittany Anas, Daily Camera
Rocks Karma Arrows explores disturbing
aspects of Boulder history
Rocks Karma Arrows, a multimedia theater piece that explores some of the disturbing history of race and class in Boulder, will open July 23 in the ATLAS Black Box Studio.
The performance, directed by ATLAS artist-in-residence Kirsten Wilson, is sponsored by the City of Boulder as part of the community's Sesquicentennial celebration.
Although the piece focuses on the 150 years of history since Boulder was founded, the context for the drama is a larger flow of history from when Boulder was once covered in an ancient, shallow sea. Historical figures such as the Southern Arapaho Indian Chief Niwot tell their stories of the early founding of Boulder and, in Niwot's case, his death following the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864.
"Looking at the disturbing aspects of Boulder history encourages the reflection and understanding that can lead to a more economically and culturally diverse future in Boulder," said Wilson, who holds the title of ATLAS Innovator through the ATLAS Center for Arts, Media and Performance.
"Theater can be aesthetically challenging, entertaining and can create transformative community conversation," she added.
Interviews with local historians and Buddhist monks are woven with historical photographs and film. At times the photographic images take over 180 degrees of the Black Box theater space so that actors are literally immersed in the history, interacting with the photos, struggling with the voices of the past and trying to understand how they echo in the present.
Dan Corson, a Boulder historian and former City Council member, noted that "Boulder's histories often avoid or minimize the role of discrimination, elitism and racism. This unique theatrical production brings forward these issues in a manner one won't soon forget."
The cast includes 12 actors, dancers and improvisational musicians.
More information about Boulder's Sesquicentennial celebration is available at http://www.boulder150.com/
Tickets on sale
Performances will be at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 23-July 25 and July 30-Aug. 1; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, and Sunday, Aug. 2. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $13 for students and seniors, and $35 for the gala opening on Thursday, July 23. Tickets are available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/61128.