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PLAYWRIGHT. PERFORMER. THEATRE ARTIST.
HELEN.
60 min: 1-100F
synopsis:
Rooted in the Helen of Troy myth, this theatrical installation explores the exploitative roles women are coerced into playing. Helen is the “everywoman”. Trapped in echoes of our own double binds, she’s faulted for the world’s catastrophes whether she’s painted as an object of weakness or one of
sexual deviance. Focusing on feminist concerns such as believability, assault, objectification, sexuality, and consumption, the performance invites engagement with
multiple artistic mediums and ultimately seeks to empower and transcend gender dynamics.
casting:
helen || any number of women can participate in helen. but it must be women and they must all be helen.
history:
2021: Studio 570 | Production | dir. Jared Whitford
2020: The Brick | Solo Performance | dir. Out of An Abundance of Caution
2019: University of Connecticut | Devised | dir. Emma Joy Hill + Gary English
C A S T
Helen: Ashley Larson
C R E A T I V E S
Director + Designer: Jared Whitford
Stage Manager: Sierra Aichner
Technical Director: Reid Hines
Wardrobe Supervisor: Nancy Reiff
2021 production
Studio 570 Theatre // Williamsport, PA
Production Photos
helen 1=wk2, post 2
helen 1=wk2, post 4
helen 1=wk2, post 6
helen 1=wk2, post 2
1/6
Promotional Material
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1/5
* Photo Credit: Reid Hines + Jared Whitford
REVIEWS
"This is an absolutely incredible fast paced show. Ashley Larson dances, sings, lip syncs, changes wardrobe right in front of the audience. Exceeding my expectations by miles. And the most expansive display of props on the floor amazing. Theater people---it's a must see."
- Dan Maneval || Williamsport Theater Reviewer
" It was fantastic. Incredible performance. I can't remember when I've been as impressed with a piece. This is the first time I've seen a one-person show and this was the perfect one to start with."
- Brad Heffner || Local Actor
“It’s not about the face that launched a thousand ships. It’s about the tits that started a thousand wars.” An installation piece inspired by the Helen of Troy myth that looks at the roles that women are expected to fill. This piece is filled with visceral poetry and stage directions that will force an audience to confront their complicity in the harm done to women. This is a piece that doesn’t have to be performed in a theatre but I think it should be performed there and any venue where women have limiting expectations forced upon them."
- Shaun Leisher || Literary Manager of Emerge Theatre Company
Literary Manager of RE: Theatre, The Kilroys + 50 Playwright Project Nominator for lists of new work
2020 PERFORMANCE
performance excerpt
PERFORMED BY || Hannah Kallenbach
PHOTOGRAPHY SAMPLES FOR INSTALLATION
The Brick // Out of An Abundance of Caution Festival
read it on New Play Exchange:
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