The Language of Birds: Rosa Luxemburg & Me
Donna Blue Lachman performs a one-woman show about Rosa Luxemburg.
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The Thirst
A recording of a performance of a one-woman show written and performed by Donna Blue Lachman about her family and her search for her Jewish faith and identity.
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Family Secrets
A taping of a one-woman show called “Family Secrets” performed by Donna Blue Lachman at the Apple Tree Theatre. Over the course of several costume changes, she plays first the father, then the mother, then the two daughters, then the grandmother of a middle class Jewish-American family.
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Kalyian
“Kalyian was inspired by the blind princess from the island of Samar, a freedom fighter and founder of the Philippine martial art Kali. Blind since birth, this legendary princess possessed an extraordinary sixth sense and sensitivity towards energy and life forces that she could not be defeated by even the fiercest of warriors. Kalyian is a modern-day personification of the female warrior spirit. It depicts the timeless battle of women, whose inherent warrior qualities are first fought, then realized, and eventually developed into harmony with the total self. It is the same force that gives women of this nature, the strength to survive and succeed. Kalyian combines technology with techniques drawn from Kabuki Theater, dance and Kali to depict both a primordial and futuristic sensibility.
In the tape, Kalyian encounters a figure clothed in black, face concealed. Narrow beams of light cut across a darkened space. Like two cats, they move about, appearing and disappearing into the shadows. At one point, the figure in black eludes her by leading her into a maze. As soon as Kalyian enters the maze, the space becomes alive; a montage of images bombards her. She responds instantly and attacks. Eventually, she becomes aware she is fighting her own fears, anger and aggression. The more conscious she becomes of this, the less fighting and destruction occurs. From this realization, Kalyian transforms her weapon into a flute to communicate through music to the figure in black. The figure responds to the music through dance. Image after image of the figure in black join in, moving together in harmony, they become one. Then, the figure reveals to Kalyian, her past actions and moments of self-realization. More and more, Kalyian recognizes parts of herself before her, until once again she is face to face with the figure in black. At this point, Kalyian realizes her subconscious has been her guide, leading her into self-realization and eventual transformation into a higher form of awareness. Kalyian has resolved her internal conflicts and is in harmony with herself.”–Barbara Sykes
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![[Artaud rehearsal]](https://development-q5nzhaa-ou7jifsrmm4uk.us.platform.sh/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/648137130_640-228x160.jpg)
[Artaud rehearsal]
This tape documents the preparation for the joint Videopolis / Victory Gardens Theater production of “Artaud.” Director Jim Rinnert, lead actor J. Pat Miller, and others discuss the logistics of the production and rehearse several scenes.
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Turds In Hell, Part I
This tape features footage of a 1972 performance of “Turds In Hell” at the Kingston Mines Theater in Chicago. Produced by the Godzilla Rainbow Troupe.
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Bloody Bess, Part III
This tape features footage from a 1974 performance of “Bloody Bess,” produced by the Organic Theater Company in Chicago and performed at the Uptown Center Hull House Theater. The play was conceived by Stuart Gordon and written by William J. Norris and John Ostrander. It tells the story of Elizabeth Presberty, daughter of the Governor of the island of Tobago. After being taken prisoner by a group of pirates, she returns home to face betrayal and the murder of her family members. She eventually transforms herself into Bloody Bess, a rugged pirate captain out to bring those who have done her wrong to justice.
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Bloody Bess, Part I
This tape features footage from a 1974 performance of “Bloody Bess,” produced by the Organic Theater Company in Chicago and performed at the Uptown Center Hull House Theater. The play was conceived by Stuart Gordon and written by William J. Norris and John Ostrander. It tells the story of Elizabeth Presberty, daughter of the Governor of the island of Tobago. After being taken prisoner by a group of pirates, she returns home to face betrayal and the murder of her family members. She eventually transforms herself into Bloody Bess, a rugged pirate captain out to bring those who have done her wrong to justice.