THE BRUTES
The Brutes, was a new tragic comedy conceived and directed by Jon Ferguson, created with the ensemble, with text by Dominic Orlando, that ran from June 7 - 30 in a machine shop at 2204 Minnehaha Ave, in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis.
The venue was a found industrial space taken over and transformed by Theatre Forever and The Brutes artistic team. It was transformed into the bunker-nation of an unnamed war-ravaged country where the last remnant of a citizens’ army awaits the end of a long and drawn out war. Centuries of brutal boundary disputes have shrunk their country to its bitter nub—this bunker, this scattered remnant, is all that’s left of a once proud nation.
From within their shrinking, one-room no man’s land, surrounded by endless war and warlords, they eagerly await news from the front, seek international recognition from anyone who will listen, and cling desperately to the physical remnants and fragmented memories of their country. Highly physical and poetic, The Brutes explores the lengths to which we will go to survive, to retain hope, and to protect ourselves and those we cherish from the poisons of war.
The Brutes ensemble included Dario Tangleson, Allison Witham, Charlotte Calvert, Robbie Hayek, Miriam Schwartz, Mitchell Seymour, and Susanna Stahlmann.
Sound and original score by Tim Cameron.
Lighting by Wu Chen Khoo.
With production assistance from McKenna Kelly-Eiding and Ryan Patrick.
Illustrated publicity image created by John Catron.
ALL IMAGES: BILL CAMERON