OBSTRUCTURE

A Collaboration with Anam Cara Theatre Company

Directed By Erinn Hartley

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About the Ensemble
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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I invariably struggle to describe the devised work that I do. People often ask what the play is about. The truth is, this show is about whatever you need for it to be about. Come with an open mind, don’t think too hard, and let the experience take hold. I imagine you will feel things, you may not quite understand why, and you may not even like all of the things that you feel. And I hope sometimes you will laugh.

We worked with the concept of Obstructure, which urban dictionary describes as “a challenge or imperfection that becomes the framework for a creative endeavor.” From there, the ensemble shared thoughts, ideas, and experiences from their own lives. I gave them homework assignments and in-rehearsal ideas to try on the fly. We took from these elements and abstracted them, rarely putting meaning on the work–just tasks, risks, and high stakes. The meaning is for you to decipher, and I believe it will vary from person to person. The work is real and present, amidst the oft absurdity. There are moments of humor and of heartache. Obstructure is non-linear but isn’t heady or out of reach.

The ensemble has given their time, energy, and selves to step onto the stage for this endeavor. This means time away from families, friends, and pets; money spent on quick dinners and babysitters; chores set aside; and some real soul-searching vulnerability and hard work. I do not take lightly what I’ve asked of them. I’ve asked for their trust and they’ve given it.

CHECK OUT THE OBSTRUCTURE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Trailer

See what audiences had to say about Obstructure

ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE
click or hover over a photo to see bio

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director…………………………..….Erinn Hartley

Stage Manager……………….Zoe Hawkins-Wells

Set Designer……………………Erinn Hartley

Set Builder………………………..Walker Linkous

Props Designer……………….Caroline Daniels

Sound Designer……………..Zoe Hawkins-Wells & Ensemble

Lighting Designer…………Abby Auman

Assistant Lighting Designer.....................Zoe Hawkins-Wells

Costume Designer………..Erinn Hartley

Makeup Designer………….Erinn Hartley

Choreographer.........................................Zoe Hawkins-Wells & Ensemble

Creative Collaborators.............................Zoe Hawkins-Wells & Peter Lundblad

Dramaturgy………………….….Katie Jones

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM

ABBY AUMAN (Lighting Designer) - Abby Auman is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.

CAROLINE DANIELS (Props Designer) - Caroline (they/them) is a student in theatrical design and production at East Tennessee State University. They have worked front and back of house roles in many theaters, and currently do their creative work in both Asheville and Johnson City. Recent credits: props design for Straight White Men at ETSU, sound and props design for Hint with Patchwork Players, and sound and props design for Monsters of the American Cinema with Different Strokes. You can find them teaching, performing, and training at Night Owl Circus Arts. They currently hold various design roles for ETSU theater department’s 22/23 season.

ERINN HARTLEY (Director / Set Designer / Costume Designer / Makeup Designer) - Erinn Hartley is the Executive Artistic Director and Founder of Anam Cara Theatre Company, the Artistic Director of the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, and the Education Director at LEAF Global Arts. Additionally, since moving to Asheville in 2008, Erinn has worked as a freelance designer, director, scenic artist, actor, and educator in companies that include NC Stage, Attic Salt Theatre Company, Asheville Community Theatre, and Brightstar Touring Theatre. Prior to Asheville she lived and worked in the Twin Cities and Ohio. She would like to thank her kids who are ages seven and five for hanging in after staying up way past their bedtime during techs, and for not giving their babysitters too hard of a time so she can continue to do this work. She would also like to thank Zoe for all her support and dedication in and outside of the theatre, the ensemble for stepping into the work with trust and vulnerability, and Katie and Jess for this opportunity.

ZOE HAWKINS-WELLS (Stage Manager / Sound Designer / Assistant Lighting Designer / Choreographer / Creative Collaborator) - Zoe Hawkins-Wells, originally from Key West, Florida, moved to Asheville in 2013. She earned a BA in Dance/Drama at the Colorado College, and trained at Lovewell Institute, The American Dance Festival and The Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater. As a stage manager, lighting designer, choreographer and performer, she’s contributed at The Red Barn Theatre, Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, Perseverance Theater, Juneau High School Theater program, The Lord Leebrick Theater, The Arden Theater, Pig Iron Physical Theater and Philly Fringe. She toured as a company member for The Dance Theater of Oregon and was the Artistic Director of the Brazen Hussies Dance Company based in Key West. She is a certified dog trainer and canine mental health behaviorist at The Upward Dog, a pursuit that satiates dogs' needs and educates their humans (www.upwarddogtraining.com). Hugs to my friends Arthur Spielman and Bethany Bereman - whose voices and support live on within me, years after their passing. Many thanks to Joy & John and to Dub for this opportunity and adventures in partnership.

KATIE JONES (Dramaturgy) - Katie is a director, performer, and educator, having worked at regional theatres in Sarasota, Chicago and Denver. She is a member of Directors Lab, both New York and Chicago, as well as Wishbone Theatre Collective. Katie has a BA from Clemson University and an MFA in from Naropa University, where she focused on devised theatre and new play development. Locally, she has worked with Asheville Creative Arts, Immediate Theatre Project and the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Katie serves as Co-Artistic Director of The Magnetic Theatre, along with Jessica Johnson.

WALKER LINKOUS (Set Builder) - Walker has been working in local theater for about eight years now. He’s proud of the work he’s done with the Montford Park Players and the Multiverse Theater Collective, as well as his work as a grip in several local short films.

PHOTOS by CHEYENNE DANCY

GALLERY
click to view full-size images

SPECIAL THANKS TO…

Keys Open Doors Foundation, LEAF Global Arts, Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, Cayla Clark, Peter Lundblad, Tippin

THE MAGNETIC THEATRE STAFF

CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR…….……JESSICA JOHNSON
CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR…………..KATIE JONES
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR………….…ABBY AUMAN
BOX OFFICE MANAGER……………TIPPIN
MARKETING MANAGER……………CHEYENNE DANCY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GEORGE AWAD
ERIN MCCARSON
ELIZABETH MCCORVEY
BRET MURPHY
JASON PHILLIPS
MAX REID
JOSH SULLIVAN

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Aaron and Gus Ballard