C-Span may be boring, but presenting the intricacies of the political engine via theatre has the perpetual potential for dramatic greatness. Whether fictional or based on historical events, the sometimes subtle, sometimes pugnacious choreography of political maneuvering generates opportunities for robust storytelling because the risks and rewards of government-level management are inherently high. And politicians--achievement-oriented people who thrive on conflict (the very essence of theatre)--make undoubtedly interesting characters. This week, audiences will get to experience the drama of the Nixon administration with Russell Lees' Nixon's Nixon, produced by Elements Theatre Collective.
Set during the death throes of Nixon's presidency, Lees' play is a speculative account of the final meeting between President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger before Nixon's resignation. Lees' rendering of the conversation between two of American history's trickiest politicians offers the despair of both hope and defeat as Nixon desperately explores avenues to avoid resigning office, and Kissinger schemes to maintain his position as Secretary of State. Starring Michael Bernard (Richard Nixon) and Laezer Schlomkowitz (Henry Kissinger), Nixon's Nixon gives shape and nuance to a vital moment in American history.
Elements Theatre Collective will present Nixon's Nixon
Directed by Matthew Tavianini
February 5-22
Produced by Rob Grayson and Sarah Bennett
Set Design by Peter Barnholdt
Lighting Design by Sarah Bennett
As part of Elements' mission to provide free, professional quality theatre to underserved communities, all performances will be offered for free to the community, including a performance at Casa Esperanza Homeless Shelter. This production is presented in partnership with Santa Barbara Dance Alliance and the Santa Barbara Public Library System.
Performance dates and locations include:
Friday, February 6th at 8:00pm
The Piano Kitchen, 430 Rose Ave, Santa Barbara
To reserve your free tickets, visit our website at www.elementstc.org.
Elements' production of Nixon's Nixon is the first fully staged production in our fourth season. Since our formation in 2011, Elements has produced fully realized plays, staged readings of new works, a 24-Hour theatre workshop, afterschool elementary theatre classes, along with providing career-oriented and community-oriented workshops.
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