Quantum Theatre’s ‘Far Away’ presents cautionary tale of a dark future
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Quantum Theatre’s upcoming production is “a surreal portrait of a descent into a hyper-partisan future we hope will never come to pass, but which has disturbing echoes of the present day,” the theater company says.
That production is “Far Away,” a 2000 work by British playwright Caryl Churchill, which Quantum has turned into a 45-minute film that will stream on-demand Feb. 19 through March 7.
“She could have written it yesterday and just for America,” said Quantum founding artistic director Karla Boos, who co-directed with filmmaker Joe Seamans.
The production stars Lisa Velten-Smith as Joan, Ingrid Sonnichsen as her Aunt Harper and Andrew William Smith as Todd.
“In ‘Far Away,’ Joan is staying with her aunt, for reasons that remain mysterious,” Quantum says. “Later, we find her in a factory, creating elaborate hats for a competition that feels like excellent reality TV.” Later the play reveals “her dark future where everything, alive and inanimate, is at war: Wasps, computer programmers, children under five.”
“‘Far Away’ asks an incredible amount from the actors, which will be clear when you see it,” Boos said.
“It’s sad to say so, but ‘Far Away’ really couldn’t feel more timely set against the current political backdrop,” said Quantum executive director Stewart Urist. “It’s a powerful play, and … a worthy culmination of an exciting season of digital experimentation for Quantum.
“This production continues to demonstrate the evolution of our digital capabilities, embraced in order to stay connected with our audience,” he said.
“Karla and I spoke early on about making a hybrid between film and theater. I’m not sure what we really meant by that then, but I think that’s what we’ve made. It’s definitely a movie, but it retains very theatrical elements,” Seamans said. “With drama, it’s all one big wide shot. The director and designers direct the audience to focus on different parts of that wide shot, but there’s always the proscenium. With dramatic film, the viewpoint jumps around; in fact, the audience expects that.”
“We filmed in our storage warehouse in Manchester through the month of January. It’s large, well-ventilated, full of the detritus of 30 years of Quantum, so very evocative,” Boos said, adding that a separate set was built for each of the play’s distinctive three parts.
The production features scenic design by Kelsey Garrett, lighting design by Sydney Asselin, sound design by Sartje Pickett and costume design by Susan Tsu. A team of Pittsburgh milliners made hats that are a vital part of the piece.
Pay-what-you-want tickets start at $10 and are offered in increments up to $50. Ticket purchase grants 72 hours of access from the first viewing.
Details: quantumtheatre.com