Wilbury Theatre Group’s 2023/2024 Season Opens This Week with an Immersive Theatrical Experience
Catch a thought provoking performance of 2216: The Remix of a Global Experiment now through Sunday, October 15.
Chingwe Padraig Sullivan and Brianna K. Rosario in rehearsal. Photo by Erin X. Smithers / courtesy of Wilbury Theatre Group
An immersive theatrical experience launches Thursday at Wilbury Theater, the first of the ‘23/’24 season, weaving together personal narratives, historical truths, and futuristic possibilities. All without a script.
The world premiere of 2216: The Remix of a Global Experiment explores the lives of an ensemble of actors representing the myriad nationalities as they create and reenact a new world doctrine. The performance invites the audience to shape the group’s experience, and challenges them to actively participate in a hilariously tragic journey.
It was written and directed by JaMario Stills, an MFA candidate at Brown University/Trinity Rep who studied screenwriting and scenography at Rhode Island School of Design. For this show, Stills provided the framework, however the cast and creative team are creating the work in the rehearsal process, through artistic collaboration and inclusive idea sharing. Fueled by the oppression in his home state of Florida, Stills wanted to create a futuristic story about what it might look like for people like him in the year 2216.
“It’s difficult to watch a government that is actively oppressing marginalized communities. My collaborators and I hope to bring a voice to what Black and Brown folks are going through with an experimental performance of theater, dance and multimedia installations,” Stills says. “The question of how we will upend this fascism today and for future generations will guide our production of 2216.”
Wilbury Theatre Group Artistic Director Josh Short says they’re excited to collaborate with Stills on this world premiere production. “Like all of his work, this piece is extremely collaborative, with an emphasis on community-based ensemble building. The artists we’ve assembled are among the most talented performance artists working today, and we’re thrilled to kick off our new season with this incredible opportunity to support these talented local artists and create a space for art to not just be interpreted, but created from the ground up.”
The show runs through Oct. 15 at Wilbury Theatre Group, inside the WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. Tickets are $5 – $55. Find more information at thewilburygroup.org
