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New plays investigate relationship of art and artists to
rise of fascism, anti–Semitism in Nazi Germany
Son of Semele and Victory Theatre co-premiere ‘Crevasse’ by Tom Jacobson
Open Fist premieres Jacobson’s ‘The Bauhaus Project’
Satellite events set for ArtCenter College of Design,
Skirball Cultural Center and more
LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2024) — Two new productions look at the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in pre-war Germany and its effect on art, as well as at the artists who resisted, or — in some cases — contributed. Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl meets Walt Disney in the world premiere of Crevasse by Tom Jacobson, a co-production of Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center running July 26 through August 18 at the Victory Theatre. A group of struggling Southern California art students creates a dramatic presentation on the history of the famous Bauhaus School in Jacobson’s The Bauhaus Project, a world premiere theatrical event presented in two binge-worthy parts (Part 1: Bauhaus Weimer and Part 2: Bauhaus Dessau and Bauhaus Berlin) by Open Fist Theatre Company from July 12 through August 18 at Atwater Village Theatre. A series of related events will take place throughout the summer at the ArtCenter College of Design, Skirball Cultural Center and more under the collective title Reflections on Art and Democracy.
Victory Theatre Center artistic director Maria Gobetti welcomes Son of Semele artistic director Matthew McCray, who will be directing Crevasse in a co-production between the two companies. In 1938, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl went to Hollywood to find American distribution for her award-winning film, Olympia. Only one studio head would meet with her: Walt Disney. Ann Noble and Leo Marks star in an astonishing true story of betrayal, Nazi propaganda and cartoons.
“In November 1938 there was public outcry about Germany, but full details were not yet known,” says McCray. “This was just after Kristallnacht, years before the U.S. officially entered the war. There is a perplexing draw toward autocracy again, so it’s important to explore issues around power, and the conflicting influences of money and ethics. In Crevasse, the comparisons between the work and ideals of filmmakers Disney and Riefenstahl provide a compelling examination of business and power through film.”
The creative team for Crevasse includes scenic designer Evan Bartoletti, lighting designer Azra King–Abadi, sound designer John Zalewski, projections designer Nicholas Santiago and costume designer Michael Mullen. Maria Gobetti and Matthew McCray produce. Crevasse is made possible in part with support from the California Arts Council and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
“The Victory is thrilled to collaborate with Son of Semele on this provocative tale,” comments Gobetti. “Crevasse and The Bauhaus Project, may be separate productions, but taken together they add up to a compelling warning in today’s political climate.”
Reflections on Art and Democracy is designed to raise awareness about the current rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the world, the power of art and design to resist them, and the confluence of visual and performative artworks to promote democracy. Events include Education as Radical Political Act, a webinar presented by ArtCenter College of Design (information and tickets at artcenter.edu); Maria Kipp (1900-1988): Handweaver Ahead of Her Time, a webinar hosted by Open Fist Theatre Company (openfist.org); and an illuminated lecture at the Skirball Cultural Center presented by theatre dybbuk [sic] (skirball.org / theatredybbuk.org).
Performances of Crevasse run from July 26 through August 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., with two previews set for Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, each at 8 p.m.
The Victory Theatre Center is located at 3326 W Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Tickets range from $32 to $40; groups, students, seniors and union members are $25, and previews are $20. A three-play package (Crevasse plus Bauhaus Part 1 and Bauhaus Part 2) is available for $75.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (818) 841-5421 or go to www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
Details for Calendar Listings
‘Crevasse’
WHAT:
Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center present the world premiere of Crevasse by Tom Jacobson. In 1938, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl went to Hollywood to find American distribution for her award-winning film, Olympia. Only one studio head would meet with her: Walt Disney. Ann Noble and Leo Marks star in an astonishing true story of betrayal, Nazi propaganda and cartoons.
WHO:
• Written by Tom Jacobson
• Directed by Matthew McCray
• Starring Leo Marks and Ann Noble
• Presented by Son of Semele and The Victory Theatre Center
WHEN:
Previews: July 19 and July 20
Performances: July 26–Aug, 18
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: July 19 (preview), July 26 (opening night), Aug. 2, Aug. 9, Aug, 16
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: July 20 (preview), July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10, Aug, 17
• Sundays at 4 p.m.: July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 11, Aug, 18
WHERE:
The Victory Theatre Centre
3326 W Victory Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
TICKET PRICE:
• Performances: $32–$40
• Groups, students, seniors and union members: $25
• Previews: $20
HOW:
www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org
818-841-5421
Crevasse is made possible in part with support from the California Arts Council
and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
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