Strawdog Theatre Company is pleased to conclude its all-virtual 33rd season with How Do We Navigate Space?, a series of original performances inspired by the events of 2020, from the pandemic to social justice. Written by Karissa Murrell Myers* and directed by Denise Yvette Serna, How Do We Navigate Space? will stream daily March 15 – April 18, 2021 from 12 pm (noon) to 12 am (midnight) CST. Tickets (pay-what-you-can with a suggested price of $15) are currently available at www.strawdog.org. The press opening is Monday, March 15, 2021.
How Do We Navigate Space? will feature performances devised and performed by Yuchi Chiu (he/him), Terri Lynne Hudson (she/her), Josie Koznarek (she/her/they/them), Mah Nu (they/them), Gloria Petrelli (she/her) and Erik Strebig (they/them/he/his).
How Do We Navigate Space? is an original, devised hybrid of film and theatre. This work will explore the experiences of Chicagoans navigating through our current, drastically-changed world. The piece is inspired by surveys submitted by Chicago residents sharing their experiences during 2020. Combining movement, music, visual art and the voices of Chicagoans, the film will express a non-linear story of our diverse and complex city in the search for connection.
Director Denise Yvette Serna comments, “The places through which we pass, the areas we retreat to, and the spaces where we cultivate our safety have been broken open for examination. As the sun begins its next orbit we articulate what has been illuminated – the complicated depths of collective transformation. Artists know the greyest days can be transformed by color, the coldest places can be infused with the warmth, and our determined occupation of public space proclaims our existence and demands recognition of our humanity. Even the silence can be measured and manipulated when we want it to be. How we understand the space between us will inevitably inform how we dismantle the systems that divide and destroy us. We're excited to play.”
The production team includes Kamille Dawkins* (director of photography), design), Kyle Hamman* (video editing), Jos N. Banks (costume design), Heath Hays* (sound design), Becca Levy* (movement design) and Karissa Murrell Myers* (casting director).
Following the production, Strawdog will share a portion of ticket sales with Black Lives Matter Chicago.
*Denotes Strawdog ensemble member
About the Artists
Karissa Murrell Myers (Playwright) is originally from the great state of Idaho and has a MFA in Performance from University of Hawaii at Manoa, a BA in Theatre Arts from Boise State University and is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. She has been working professionally in Chicago as an actor, casting director, playwright and director since 2015. She is the resident Casting Director and Ensemble Member at Strawdog Theatre Company, and also does freelance casting for other companies around the US. As a performer, Karissa has worked at Goodman Theatre, Remy Bumppo, The House Theatre of Chicago and Renaissance Theaterworks, among others. Television work includes a recurring role on Chicago Med, and work on Chicago PD, Electric Dreams and The Exorcist. Her autobiographical play FRAGMENTED was filmed and released through Our Perspective: Asian American Plays in 2020. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Represented by Gray Talent Group.
Denise Yvette Serna (Director) is a theatre practitioner and arts activist. She is co-founder of Global Hive Laboratories, an international collective of artists working toward a global theatre. Chicago directing and curating credits include productions with The Latinx Theatre Commons, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Pop Magic Productions, Victory Gardens Theater, El Semillero, Steep Theatre Company, Circle Theatre Chicago, Pride Films & Plays, 20% Theatre Company and inappropriate theatre company. Denise is committed to supporting arts organizations as they champion the ideals of equity, diversity, access and inclusion into their programming and internal operations and move forward as transformative Anti-Racist forces in their communities. deniseyvetteserna.com
About Strawdog Theatre Company
Since its founding in 1988, Strawdog Theatre Company has offered Chicagoland the premiere storefront theatre experience and garnered numerous Non-Equity Jeff Awards with its commitment to ensemble acting and an immersive design approach. The celebrated Company develops new work, re-imagines the classics, melds music with theatre, asks provocative questions and delivers their audience the unexpected.
Strawdog Theatre Company is supported in part by The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Alphawood Foundation, The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.