“Assorted Shelters” grew out of five months of theater workshops developed by Demian as part of his doctoral thesis.
Designed, at first, to be a theatrical study of violence, the intensity of the improvisations proved to be too unnerving for everyone. After a change of participants, the tone and over-all theme were transformed into a dream-like investigation of sexism.
The play then took on a humorous (though still dark) tone, presenting a series of abstract and satirical scenes illuminating the tyranny of sex-role stereotypes. Completing the playful survey of social mores, an ending dance/nightmare incorporated elements from each scene.
Fritz (Demian), a very cool cat,
loves ’em (Martha), and leaves ’em.
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Adam mimes Martha’s violent, erotic fantasy.
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Photos © 1972, Frank Ward
Performers, Demian, Martha Murphy, Adam Sacks, and a third male (who recently asked to be anonymous), developed their own characters. Demian oversaw the shape of the play and wrote the script based on the improvisational rehearsal audio tapes.
Many video tapes where made of the “Assorted Shelters” rehearsals, which helped give perspective to performance and script content. The video crews included John Graham, Bob Sather, Barry (Schoenhaut) River, Frank Ward, and Wolfman.
Show development was also supported by rehearsal feedback by many attendees from Demian’s workshops. Especially helpful responses came from Frank Ward, and Ed Howe. Ed was producer and host of “Theater Talk” on WAMH. He provided excellent notes after an April 2 rehearsal. On April 5, Ed interviewed Martha and Demian on his radio program to describe the process of turning improvisations into working scripts.
Original music and lyrics were created by Demian and Adam Sacks, with choreography by Martha Murphy and Adam Sacks. Assorted Shelters toured New England during 1972.
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