Insurgent Theater Takes Intensity to Pittsburgh

The Insurgent Theater is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, tonight and will transport to Pittsburgh for a performance tomorrow, September 24th. The post-industrial steel town and site of the G-20 economic summit is a most appropriate location for the troupe's touring show featuring the play, "Ulysses' Crewmen." The Pittsburghperformance is scheduled in the Tent City at Carnegie Mellon University at 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.(EST). There were hot rumors at Gone Wired Cafe last night that they will be connecting with Reverend Billy at CMU. Pittsburgh activists -- and their G-20 guest from around the globe -- shouldn't miss this show, with or without the Reverend.

Insurgent Theater's performance last night was intense, to say the least. This two-person play -- featuring actors Kate Pleuss and Ben Turk -- revolves around the fictional tale of a kidnapped American heading to an international global trade conference, a nice irony for the audience in Pittsburgh. Pleuss carried the show with a riveting performance in the lead role of the kidnapper. Turk, the playwright for 'Ulysses' Crewman,' deserves praise for giving Pleuss the words to deliver a powerful anti-capitalist, anti-establishment message, not an easy task to make a weighty subject entertaining.

Adding to the unique experience, Turk designed the show to be a "transparent" theatrical experience by attempting to eliminate the "manipulative" and hierarchical relationship built into conventional theater. To begin, the audience was gathered around the performance space in a circle. Turk and Pleuss at center stage introduced the play, the project, and the tour, piece by piece, while dressing into custom piece by piece. Away we went from there, with the unseasonably warm Michigan temperature adding to intense ambiance of the play.

For all those activists in Pittsburgh tomorrow, grab your favorite G-20 rep and escort them to see Ulysses' Crewmen. They won't forget it after they return home, and neither will you.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

P.S. See photos from the Lansing performance here.

Photo from "Ulysses' Crewman" Performed in

Lansing, Michigan, September 22, 2009

Lansing Peace Community's 2008 Holiday Peace Message

Cold winds and wet snow flakes characterized the Greater Lansing's peace community's weekly peace vigil on Friday. When noontime rolls you take what you get weather-wise and hope that you have dressed appropriately. On cold winter days, you hope the number of people who show up exceeds the temperature on the Boji Tower clock.

Lansing's peace community has now held 380 straight vigils -- more than a year's worth of Fridays supporting our troops and supporting peace. We'll be back next Friday, too, and the Friday after that. We'll be in the front of the Michigan Capitol, if necessary, throughout Barack Obama's term if U.S. troops are still warring in Iraq or Afghanistan. We'll be there rain, sleet, sun or snow.

For any of you readers who live and work in Lansing, especially downtown Lansing, you are welcome to join the peace vigil on Fridays at noon. You can stand with us in support -- or grab one of the signs if you like. Everyone is welcome. If you want to break the ice, just say "Rico Thomas Rico invited me," and get a laugh when they say "Who?".

On the occasion of the 380th vigil, I shot the group's annual holiday peace photo (see above), though turnout was lower than usual because of the day's snow storm. The picture will be sent with a holiday card to U.S. Senators Levin and Stabenow, our House reps, and President-elect Obama. To see all the photos shot at the peace vigil on Friday click here.

This year, I recorded an additional video message from the Greater Lansing peace community. In the video, I asked people what suggestions or resolutions they would have for President-Elect Obama for next year. Watch the video below or click here.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Words of Wisdom for Barack Obama

Obamania: Gone Crazy @ Gone Wired Election Night

Here are photos of the crowd reaction at Gone Wired Cafe in Lansing, Michigan on the night of Barack Obama's presidential election win.

Top-Notch Romeo and Juliet Production Ends on Sunday in Lansing

The Sunsets with Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet closes with its last show on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at Hunter Park on Lansing's east side off of Kalamazoo Street. I finally had a chance to catch the performance yesterday and highly recommend it. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. The suggested donation is a bargain at $2. This last show is a make-up performance because of rain cancellations last week.

I give Romeo and Juliet a double thumbs up for an excellent cast and performance, and high marks for a relaxing, comfortable outdoor setting at Hunter Park. This was my first experience with Shakespeare at sunset, and in a park. It was thoroughly entertaining -- a great way to spend a cool summer evening. I can't wait to do it again in the future.

Director Todd A. Heywood should be commended for a fine production and the cast of performers should be proud of its strong performance.

Don't miss the last performance on Sunday.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Note: This review was cross-posted at www.michiganliberal.com.