Theater
My plays have the sly wit and winking artificiality of drag, but are disarmingly earnest at heart. They capitalize on theater’s live, visceral power to create vibrant pageants about human failure and redemption. I collaborate with dancers, composers, puppet artists and ingenuous scenic designers to create big-hearted musicals and plays.
With theaters closed, I began experimenting with stop-motion animation. This video captures one of the many moments of heartbreak and rage that marked this past year. It was a way to express my fury and also let my heart do what it wants to — love you and this stupid world we’ve made.
Love and Hate in the Time of Covid
>Greater Than
A sea captain who has fought her way to the top, re-thinks her place in the world when a cosmic debt comes due. This musical takes us on an adventure from the depths of the ocean to the expanses of space to remind us of what is right in front of us. Music composed by Juli Crockett and Michael Feldman with puppet designs by Katie Shoo. Presented at Son of Semele Ensemble’s Company Creation Festival. Trailer coming soon.
Zoophilic Follies
An adaptation of the Daedalus myth that explores how technology can give flight to our wildest dreams and darkest desires. My libretto was brought to life through a collaboration with composer Daniel Corral and the glam opera band, Timur and the Dime Museum. It was presented at REDCAT and the Hammer Museum. Listen to the opera.
Oh My Tiger
Three young princes with a romantic appetite for life chance upon a tiger with an actual hunger. Oh My Tiger is a dance-theatre exploration of the Buddhist myth, “The Hungry Tigress.” With original music by composer Daniel Corral and direction and choreography by Mira Love, the show explores how humble materials are capable of extrordinary transformations. Presented at Highways Performance Space. Watch the trailer.
Yes is a long time
A family struggles to understand their place in the world when what appears to be an asteroid crashes through their roof. Inspired by a true story of a family in Freehold New Jersey, this dance theatre show explores the act of looking up and claiming your beliefs in a world of seemingly random coincidences.Presented at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles and UC Santa Barbara’s Hatlen Theater. Watch the trailer.
Wood Fish Floats
Set against the California Gold Rush, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear focuses on a servant character from the original play who usurps the story from the patriarch to tell the stories buried in a gold mine. Presented at CalArts and Beta Level in L.A.’s Chinatown.
The Bull
An allegorical puppet piece depicting the theft of Michelle Obama’s face. The show was designed and directed by Caitlin Lainoff with sound design by Kari Rae Seekins. Presented at For Exchange Rate, a 2008 election night art event. Read the script.