Coosje: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

by The Happiest Medium on February 8, 2012 · 0 comments

in Festivals, FRIGID 2012, Interviews, Manhattan, Off-Off-Broadway, Theatre

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Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Coosje


Company: No.11 Productions

Coosje is the story of two artists, husband and wife, finding their playful aesthetic together and attempting to escape death. Meanwhile, the singing Pear embarks on a heroic quest to achieve immortality. Their journeys intertwine in this fantastical love story.

Show Times:

  • Thu 2/23 @ 7:30pm
  • Sat 2/25 @ 10:00pm
  • Wed 2/29 @ 9:00pm
  • Fri 3/2 @ 6:00pm
  • Sat 3/3 @ 7:00pm

Answers by Ryan Emmons

(Co-Artistic Director of No.11 Productions)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Ryan: Coosje refers to the Dutch artist, art historian and critic, Coosje van Bruggen. The play is inspired by (and a celebration of) the relationship she had with her husband/collaborator Claes Oldenburg. She influences everything in Claes’ life…so it seemed appropriate that the title be influenced by her.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Ryan: Claes Oldenburg because this is an artistic representation of his partnership with Coosje and I would love to hear his thoughts and develop the piece further based on his own musings of his work with Coosje. In developing the show we only had research, but no first hand interaction with Oldenburg.
Allan Kaprow because he developed some of the first “happenings” and I would love to see what he thought about the happening we have created to start the show and then make a new one with him.
All FRIGID New York participants because they are some of the best artists I meet every year and the community element of FRIGID New York is what makes it so special.
My family, because I love them and like to show them what I’m doing with my life.
Coosje van Bruggen because her work inspired this and I have a feeling her criticism would have me look at the play in a whole new way.


Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Ryan:
I have been lucky enough (or perhaps I’m young enough) not to have made any major sacrifices for my art. Everything I have done has been a step towards developing No.11 Productions and I have met the most amazing artists and friends along the way. I feel grateful and lucky that I have been able to pursue theatre as fully as I have and I hope to continue growing and learning.


Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Ryan:
We thought a singing Pear was going to be a simple and funny character. We discovered that a singing Pear is a complex and layered element with much more bite than we imagined. I feel proud of the Pear because we pushed ourselves past what started as a gimmick and into juicy territory that interested all of us.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Ryan:
We are all in relationships with our friends, our families our co-workers. We all collaborate and share ourselves with other people. I hope this show inspires audiences to look at the relationships they have all around them and be grateful. I hope Coosje gives people the strength to live more wholeheartedly and to connect with people and the world around them in new ways.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?


Ryan: We take on Missed Connections and throw PAPER!!!!

Ooof, Ryan, that’s gonna leave a mark!  In your RPS challenge with Missed Connections they threw SCISSORS leaving them victorious over your Paper.

However in your second battle with Love in the Time of Chlamydia you’re up against Rock and YOU WIN!  Congratulations!

A win and a loss, that puts you right back where you started … but in some people’s book that’s ahead of the game!

Thanks Coosje for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially PAPER in any and all challenges. You may win, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Coosje!

~~~

Coosje
Company: No. 11 Productions
Directed by: Ryan Emmons
Feb 23, 7:30PM
Feb 25, 10:00PM
Feb 29, 9:00PM
Mar 02, 6:00PM
Mar 03, 7:00PM
$15.00
UNDER St.Marks

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

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