Feature: Local Artists Announce Kickstarter Campaign for THROUGH THE WREN
By: Melissa Giordano Jul. 24, 2018
New York based artists Melody Rodriguez and Jake Ruhl have announced a Kickstarter campaign for Through the Wren, a new immersive theatre experience where 12 guests journey in and out of parallel world set in a mid-1840's Gothic Romance Fairytale.
Rodriguez and Ruhl helm the production as Artistic Directors and Co-Writers, and are working alongside some incredible artists -- Spatial and interactive designers Jae Lee and Yvonne Chang, founders of Wildrence; an off Broadway event space on the Lower East Side. They will be lending their Cornell Architecture and immersive expertise to create an environment that is dreamlike yet in keeping with Gothic Aesthetic.
Ms. Rodriguez explains, "We want to create an experience that will enamor all the senses; which was why music was also an integral puzzle piece to this work." To help make this possible, they brought on Broadway composer Barbara Anselmi for original music, accompanied with musical styles of the era.
This show has undergone many iterations, with its origins in haunted house experiences created by Mr. Ruhl. In 2015, a version that would be the seed of Through the Wren emerged (of a different title), rather than the traditional yearly haunts imagined and realized by Mr. Ruhl. Instead, he gutted an entire garage, and fashioned eight black tents into the inside of Galloway Manor; together with sound design, costumes, props and furniture. It was at that time that his collaboration with Ms. Rodriguez commenced, and together they would create the rich story you have before you.
"Upon your arrival at Galloway Manor, you become a house servant; surrounded by a crumbling, yet lush English estate. Your exploration and curiosities unveil the manors' darkest secrets and sweet reveries", explains Mr. Ruhl.
As you read love letters, drink house made concoctions, rummage through suitcases, and peruse through drawers, you will notice Grimm's Brothers influence in character archetypes and tone. This story also defies preconceived conventions of the genre by having a LGBT Gothic Romance at its center; giving the piece a classic, but modern feel.
Click here to check out their Kickstarter and click here for more information about this exciting production!
Photo #1 - Show logo
Photo #2: From left - Colin Hinckley as Damian Galloway and Justin Chesney as Victor Huntington
Photo #3: Alicia Buxton as Viola Galloway and Annelise Nielsen as Ember.
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