THE CUTTING BALL THEATER NEWSLETTER
May 3, 2006 Volume 2, Issue 9

Contents:
1. VOTE Cutting Ball for Best of Bay!
2. Inside the Design Room with Set Designer Liliana Duque
3. Tickets on sale for The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World
4. Summer Internship Opportunity

The San Francisco Weekly’s Best of the Bay issue comes out in a few weeks.

Please vote The Cutting Ball Theater for “Best Theater” by visiting http://www.sfweekly.com/bosf2006/bosf06poll.

You don’t have to fill out the whole survey to vote.
Simply find the “Arts and Entertainment” page and vote Cutting Ball!

Last day to vote is Friday, May 5!  

Thank you

Inside the Design Room:
Designing The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World

Liliana Duque, Set Designer

The design for "The Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World" evolved through constant dialogue with director Rob Melrose. From the beginning it was established that the set should not “read” as a stage. Rather, as an exhibition, a space where each object carries a deeper meaning other than a mere stage prop. This approach allowed us to layer concepts, images, and feelings in a non-theatrical way.

Two big influences on the set were the artists Fred Wilson and Betye Saar whose work constantly comment on African American stereotypes. Both artists use commonplace objects that, via different modes of display, address racial and ideological issues. For our play characters are assigned objects, chairs in most cases, which metaphorically condense character, collective history, and emotion. This eclectic array of items allows poetry to come alive.

Claire Calderwood, Costume Designer

All of the Characters in this play are icons of their era, representing ground braking periods of time from ancient Egypt to Jazz. Much of my job was trying to recreate famous scenes from history like the little girl in the white dress from Norman Rockwell?s painting about Brown Vs. Board Of Education. My biggest challenge was simply researching so many different time periods and clothing styles. In the end, I wanted the actors to feel as real as possible in their costumes so for finishing touches I added items with real histories such as hand made pieces of African jewelry and fabric.

Tickets are now on sale for Suzan-Lori Parks’ masterpiece

Please visit www.cuttingball.com for tickets and information.

The Cutting Ball Theater is looking for a driven, enthusiastic intern to work closely with the staff starting May or June. This person will work primarily with the management and producing staff, but may be asked to assist at performances, setting up or striking a production, or communicating with the artistic staff and actors.

The ideal candidate is a mature high school student or college undergraduate studying theater arts or administration. This position is approximately 10 hours a week and can be flexible regarding a work or class schedule. This is a no-pay position.

Please send a letter that includes your primary interests, availability and a resume of theatrical experience.

The Wish List

The Cutting Ball Theater relies on donations from individuals to continue producing the high-quality, energetic work on which we pride ourselves. Like most performing arts organizations, the majority of donated funds come from individual theater-lovers, not government agencies or corporate foundations. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit: http://cuttingball.com/donate.php

For more exciting Cutting Ball information, please visit www.cuttingball.com .

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