Three For All: A Theatre Story

There's a lot to say about the current state of Denver's art scene. First thing that comes to mind, besides the incredible talent and commitment of area artists, is a lack of state fiscal support. The Colorado Council on the Arts' 2003 budget cut totaled more than $700K. Such a financial pruning certainly had the potential to deflate the artistic community's balloon, sinking Colorado to 50th in per-capita state funding for the arts.

The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is practically the only saving grace for arts and cultural funding in the city. While it is the largest citizen-supported cultural initiative in the nation, such a lack of state support more directly mirrors the overall sentiment towards the arts from Colorado's political sector. This dialogue regarding the state's budgetary prudence for the arts is all to set the stage for the achievement and progressive mindset of an informal co-op between three local theater companies, the LIDA Project Experimental Theatre Company, Buntport Theater and The Bug Theatre Company.

These companies foster the type of inventiveness, spirit of collaboration and creative risk-taking endeavors capable of maintaining audience support that may speak for itself when it comes time to vote for restoring state funding for the arts. They have a very simple agreement to help one another out. While each theatre has its niche, this informal alliance provides support and promotions for one another that will likely open the door to more possibilities for Denver's performing arts community.

The theatre of the trio that has a little something for everyone is hands-down The Bug. This all-encompassing theatre houses children's productions, open-stage opportunities, debut space for emerging filmmakers, and much more. "I would describe it as an exciting, eclectic art house with tangible positive juju," explained Donna Morrison, executive artistic director, "When enclosed within the very red walls of the space, you are alive with electric energy."

LIDA, the Buntport and the Bug are united by a young, smart, and off-center approach to theatre, according to Morrison. "There are so many things that are possible as a team, which would be unattainable for any of us individually," Morrison said. Collaborating in any manner, whether it's sharing equipment or including each other in marketing, is an effort that will likely pay off in a time of adverse funding and fill seats. "We support each other and our different artistic endeavors because we respect each other' s work," said Gary Culig, associate artistic director, We also support each other because we want Denver to be a place where theatre thrives."

The Bug's 2002-03 bill presents a variety of productions including the 4th season of Santaland Diaries, What I Did for Dia de los Muertos, an Emerging Filmmakers Project, two operas and more.

The LIDA Project roots itself in a brand of theatre that catapults Denver into the ranks of cities more renowned for presenting works that challenge standard artistic boundaries. LIDA's current production, Hedwig and The Angry Inch directed by Christopher Tabb, draws on the off-Broadway rock theatre hit recounting the tale of Hedwig and her search for stardom and love. Hedwig, played by energetic and dynamic Brian Upton, was born a German boy, Hansel, and is driven by a mission to find his other half, male or female. The rock behind this rock theatre hit is driven by The Angry Inch, with Colin Bricker on guitar, Kit Peltzel on drums, Marty Pullam on bass and keyboards and John Rasmussen on lead guitar. Sara Mykin Casperson provides powerful back up vocals and plays the part of Yitzak, Hedwig's resentfully loyal second husband. The story line is deep, pulling the audience into a twisted exploration of family abandon and need to prove one's self worth to the world--through rock stardom and a break to America, of course. Digital projections onto the backdrop compliment the storytelling of Hedwig and underscore LIDA's mission to fuse digital (machine) and organic (man).

Proficiently performed rock ballads and a heart-warming performance by Upton give this take on Hedwig a signature of professionalism necessary for local performance groups to pack in the seats (and packing they are). The Wave Nightclub hosts LIDA's Hedwig, before a frenzied transformation into a dance club, and has sold out several times during the October/November run. Word of mouth and good press has given this show such praise that LIDA and the Wave plan to extend Hedwig's run through Nov. 30. LIDA's upcoming 2002-03 season holds what one can only expect will deliver the unexpected. Manson Family Values and The Balcony will likely continue the madness and challenge our comfort zones.

The Buntport Theater offers a fresh and witty alternative to conventional theatre performance groups. This cohort of Colorado College alums prides itself on producing original works and original adaptations. "Our process is collaborative," explained organizer Erin Rollman, "We rarely have job titles and instead share the work load relatively evenly." The Buntport's most recent creation, The Odyssey: A Walking Tour, was a hilariously arranged take on Homers Odyssey. . Two separate tours through the theatre-turned-museum proved that theatre isn't all about sitting in front of a stage for two hours. Giving audiences Walkmans tuned to the AM frequency of the tour soundtrack added an element of authenticity to the museum pretense and gave an added kick to the tour guide's discourse. It was the creativity behind each scene's delivery that earned the Buntport an extra gold star. Taking what you have on such a limited budget and going the extra mile to challenge audience mindset is truly theatre.

While The Odyssey is currently out of rotation at the Buntport, audience demand could bring it back like their production of Titus Andronicus, which is scheduled for another run in February. The Buntport's brainchild, Magnets on the Fridge, is described as a live sit-com. The second season of Magnets kicks off on Nov. 4. They say it's like "watching TV, but funny."

While each theatre company is distinct in its own regard, the notion behind a co-op of artistic venues is something every facet of Colorado . s art scene can draw upon for success. After feeling the burn of having the funding carpet ripped out from under you, coming together in a collaborative effort should speak volumes for the commitment and focus of area artists to those making the decision on whether or not to fiscally support them in the future.

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