Third Eye Theatre Ensemble is proud to present a virtual double bill of Stitch, by Juliet Palmer and Witness, by Alexandra Enyart. This year, our stories navigate isolation, yearning, and growth through the woman’s gaze. In this double bill, we connect with the audience through the universal yearning to both see and be seen.
Stitch is told by three women trapped in manufacturing for the oppressive fast-fashion industry. The women take on characteristics of the three Grecian Fates; each voice accompanied by the unique buzz of their sewing machines as they strive for survival in a sweat-shop environment. Third Eye presented just two performances of this work in June 2019. Back by popular demand, we reimagine this work through a mix of prerecorded and live media, complete with improvisation and devised dancing. We describe it as an opera music video!
Witness is an organic exploration of transgender identity for voice and banjo, written and performed by Alexandra Enyart. Alexandra grapples with what it means to live ‘unseen’. She eloquently says, “60% of trans people attempt suicide and my goal is to lower that number. This project is about my personal battle to not become part of that 60%. [...] I am taking the imperfect action I can take to tell stories that can be meaningful and relevant to the audiences that see them.”
Music direction for both pieces is by Alexandra Enyart and staging direction is by Rose Freeman. Design staff includes Jeff Award Winner Beth Laske-Miller* (costumes), Tamzin Ritchie (photography and artwork), Matthew Peckham (sound engineer), and Shelby Krarup* (stage management). Stitch is performed with 3 singers and 3 sewing machines. Witness is performed with voice and banjo.
The casts include Rena Ahmed*, Angela Born*, Mary Lutz Govertsen*, and Alexandra Enyart.
Register for the livestream at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stitchwitness-double-bill-tickets-117160402919. Suggested donation of $10. The livestream will be recorded and available for a limited time for a donation of $10 or more. For press inquiries or reservations, email Rena Ahmed at info@thirdeyete.com.
*indicates ensemble member
About Third Eye Theatre Ensemble: Third Eye Theatre Ensemble presents quality productions of new or seldom performed operatic works that inspire conversation while advocating for human rights and social justice.
Third Eye strives to captivate audiences through intimate, black box interpretations that spur the imagination and create conversations that last long after the performance. They firmly believe in their tag line: See. Imagine. Converse.
Deemed the debut company of 2014 by Chicago Classical Review, Third Eye made Newcity’s list of Top 5 operas for 2014, 2015, and 2016. Third Eye was voted best storefront opera company by Newcity in 2019, and nominated for best opera company by Chicago Reader in 2019.
Third Eye’s seventh season is supported in part by the MacArthur/Driehaus Foundations, and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation.
For more information visit www.thirdeyete.com.