Planet Ant to Present Staged Reading of the Original 'Zine STUPOR

For the second year in a row, Planet Ant Theatre is producing a live staged reading of local writer Steve Hughes' original 'zine "Stupor." The event will take place at the Planet Ant Hall in Hamtramck, MI on Saturday, October 6 at 8pm. The 2018 issue "All Dressed Up and Nowhere" features true stories inspired by the theme "costume," retold through Hughes' unique, captivating lens.

Video production and 'zine printing costs are funded by the Knight Foundation under a Knight Art Challenge grant, awarded to Hughes in 2015. With publications dating back to 1995, Stupor is Detroit's longest-running 'zine:

"If you have fallen into a Stupor, something is wrong with you. You're having trouble focusing. You're drunk or high or just tired as hell. You're staring off into space. It's difficult to move your limbs. Your arms are heavy. Your legs are frozen or numb but definitely stuck. Stupor is a zine project by Steve Hughes. It's dedicated to your inability to move forward or move at all. Each issue collects true stories from people Hughes meets, mostly from a barstool, mostly in the Detroit area. They drink. They talk. Hughes listens, and writes it all wrong. Later, when he's happy with stories, he gives them to an artist who creates the visuals for each issue." More information about Stupor can be found at stuporzine.com.

"All Dressed Up and Nowhere" delivers nine new, original stories, presented with a live staged reading featuring local actors and storytellers from both the Planet Ant community and greater Detroit area; directed by Kaitlyn Valor Bourque, with performances by Sarah Wilder, Maya Gangadharan, Phil Leslie, Mike McGettigan, Lauren Duprey, Darren Shelton, Devin Rosni, Lauren Alo, and Tiaja Sabrie.

"This issue is all Hamtramck," says Hughes. "I'm working with a Hamtramck artist. We collected stories at Hamtramck bars, from Hamtramck patrons, it was written here, the video was made here in town, the art was created here, and now at this super unique event at Planet Ant, the stories will be presented back to the community by dedicated young actors who are also working in and part of the community. The stories themselves are private stories gone public, all revealing some important truth about who we are as a people and city."

Keeping in spirit with the season and Hughes' chosen theme for this issue, the Stupor Issue Release will also be a Costume Party! All guest are strongly encouraged to participate, as there will be a costume contest with prizes including copies of Stupor signed by author and cast, Stupor swag, Planet Ant swag, Ghost Light drink tickets, and more.

Following the staged reading, local band on the rise, Kimball, will celebrate the release of their 7" from Jett Plastic Recordings, with support from The Doozers and Natalie Lucassian, at the adjacent Ghost Light bar.

The Stupor Issue Release party is on Saturday, October 6, at the Planet Ant Hall in Hamtramck, MI (2320 Caniff Street). Tickets are $5 in advance at planetant.com or $7 at the door; both include a copy of "All Dressed Up and Nowhere." Ghost Light bar will open at 7pm, seating in the hall will begin at 7:30pm, the staged reading will begin at 8pm. There will be no intermission. Following the performance, guests are invited to stay for live music at Ghost Light beginning at 9:30pm.

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