Affairs of Face (project overview)

Here is a description of Apogee's upcoming production, "Affairs of Face":

Overview

Affairs of Face is an ambitious theater project that seeks to break the boundaries of entertainment media and culture. A series of six one-act plays will combine live theater, reality television, and online social networking to provide an experience that encapsulates all of what theater should be about: thought-provoking, personal, inspiring, and moving. Affairs of Face will also break the traditional "fourth wall" of theater by bringing the actors directly into the laps of the audience. In addition, this project seeks to embrace much of what our local community has to offer--performances will take place not in a theater, but in local coffee shops, restaurants, and attractions. In short, an audience experiencing Affairs of Face will be experiencing Life.

Creative Elements

Affairs of Face is a series of one-act plays, similar in many respects to a television soap opera. A core group of three characters initially carry the storylines, but additional characters will be added/exchanged as the plays progress. In each performance, characters will meet to socialize. In the course of the six weeks, they will discuss topics relating to real life: death of family members, employment, self-worth, dating, substance abuse are some of the many topics that may be addressed.

Production Elements

In addition to the theatrical performances, Affairs of Face will also utilize the internet as a means of storytelling and networking, making the experience even more personal. As with many popular television programs, there will be a website that includes rebroadcasts of previous episodes via streaming video, as well as discussion boards for fans. Each character will have a public Myspace page, and comments can be made there by fans as well as by other characters. The website will also be a resource and means of communicating the venue for the next episode.

Community Elements

In an effort to bring the live theater experience closer to communities in Sonoma County, as well as to showcase the rich culture of the county, performances will take place in different local venues. One performance may take place in a microbrewery or coffee house, another might be an excursion to a beach or a local winery.