WHAT?
The second production of NYC-based company The Woolgatherers, Genesis 22 seeks to unlock new layers of meaning from a classic tale of humanity and faith. Is Abraham, the father who nearly sacrifices his son, Isaac, a man of faith or a brutal killer? With a diverse group of young, ambitious artists, we're also experimenting with collaboration and a new method of making theater. Our creative team features six directors, each of whom approaches their art with a distinct style and methodology. By exploring an old story through the intersection of their artistic forms, we hope to discover a deeper understanding of this story of faith.
WHERE?
We will spend the month of July working and performing in 408A Colonels Row on Governors Island, a residency granted to us by the Trust for Governors Island. The structure was originally established as housing for officers and their families in the 1870s. We invite our audience to meander, skip, and run through the grand architecture of this historic space as they join us in exploring an iconic story.
WHY?
Genesis 22 will hold open rehearsals every week and offer pay-what-you-can ticketing in order to create a theatrical environment that is participatory, challenging, and accessible to all. By prioritizing stylistic, racial, and cultural diversity, we strive to subvert expectations and cast old narratives in a new light as we explore visceral honesty, ecstatic spirit, and communal empathy. The Woolgatherers always seek to make theater that shatters assumptions about the heights storytelling can reach.
WHO?
We are thrilled to have assembled a team consisting of both old friends and new collaborators! Part of The Woolgatherers' mission is to foster a community of like-minded artists in New York City who support, engage with, and inspire each other, no matter their approach, technique, or methodology. This team is a giant step towards establishing and growing that community.
HOW?
Art could never happen without the support and generosity of its audiences. This summer, we're exploring how to craft a big theatrical experience from a tiny budget. But we still need some funding for our minimal set, publicity, rehearsal space before our residency starts. We ask that you give within your means and garner yourself a little #ArtKarma along the way, or if you're unable to give financially, help us out by spreading the word on social media. And, of course, we hope to see you on Governors Island come July!
