An abstract political commentary on the seemingly relentless upsurge in violence to people and the planet in recent years.It’s an attempt to transform feelings of despair, grief, and rage into something of value.
Kristen Kosmas returns to The Chocolate Factory (and New York City) for the first time since her critically acclaimed 2012 performance There There, described as a “language-drenched, resonant knockout” by Claudia La Rocco in the New York Times.
First staged as a large scale ensemble performance at On The Boards in Seattle, The People’s Republic of Valerie, Living Room Edition is reborn as an intimate monologue (written and performed by Kosmas) staged for a small audience in the living room of a private home, with lo-fi visual accompaniment (using only an overhead projector and a music stand) by interdisciplinary artist Leon Finley. An abstract political commentary on the seemingly relentless upsurge in violence to people and the planet in recent years. The People’s Republic of Valerie, Living Room Edition attempts to transform feelings of despair, grief, and rage into something of value, into positive action, into something of beauty that might uplift and create space and occasion for imagination and community.
The People’s Republic of Valerie, Living Room Edition has been performed for free or by donation in living rooms across the country. The New York City performances will take place at a private home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
