WHAT WE'RE DOING
From December 5, 2020 to January 31, 2021, Fortune’s Fool Theatre will stream three separate videos of To Breed . . . or Not to Breed online. These shows were taped during the November 2020 run of our intimate, revealing storytelling that was originally a COVID-19 safe live performance. Each week at the Crane Theater, six different performers shared personal stories connected to parenting . . . or not parenting. Each video is a completely different show.
Many Americans are unemployed or underemployed. Anyone will be able to watch these videos for free. Will ask that those who are able to donate a small amount (suggested donation $10 per video), but we want to bring these thoughtful, entertaining, witty, and moving stories to everyone regardless of economic circumstances.
Fortune’s Fool specializes in producing world premieres and rarely produced plays. But we realized that the pandemic was going to call for a new type of theatrical event that would be staged in compliance with Governor Walz’s COVID-19 requirements. Ariel Pinkerton suggested a monologue series based on parenting: autobiographical stories about people who wanted children / had children; didn't want children / didn't have children; haven't decided if they want children, etc. We decided to have three separate casts, each performing for a week. This would allow us to recruit a large group of voices representing a variety of races, ages, economic and cultural backgrounds, and the whole spectrum of the GLBTQIA+ community. We are proud of the 21 artists who were able to join this adventure and share their stories. They are listed below.
Making a video of the performances was an integral part of Ariel’s concept. We wanted to make sure that those who, despite our precautions, did not feel safe watching live theatre, would be able to experience these stories and performances.
To Breed . . . or Not to Breed was directed (via Zoom) by Ben Layne, stage managed by Andy Kedl, with lighting by Ariel Pinkerton and music by Aaron Henderson. Ruth Virkus was the dramaturg. Bill Stiteler was the videographer.
We are excited to share this moving and thoughtful show with you. To Breed . . . or Not to Breed will be available online from December 5, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Videos may be viewed at any time for free. Below you will find links to each video, an online program for each one, and a direct link to our PayPal account, should you feel able and moved to donate. You may use a credit card, your bank account, Venmo, or PayPal. We suggest $10 per video, but it is entirely up to you.
From December 5, 2020 to January 31, 2021, Fortune’s Fool Theatre will stream three separate videos of To Breed . . . or Not to Breed online. These shows were taped during the November 2020 run of our intimate, revealing storytelling that was originally a COVID-19 safe live performance. Each week at the Crane Theater, six different performers shared personal stories connected to parenting . . . or not parenting. Each video is a completely different show.
Many Americans are unemployed or underemployed. Anyone will be able to watch these videos for free. Will ask that those who are able to donate a small amount (suggested donation $10 per video), but we want to bring these thoughtful, entertaining, witty, and moving stories to everyone regardless of economic circumstances.
Fortune’s Fool specializes in producing world premieres and rarely produced plays. But we realized that the pandemic was going to call for a new type of theatrical event that would be staged in compliance with Governor Walz’s COVID-19 requirements. Ariel Pinkerton suggested a monologue series based on parenting: autobiographical stories about people who wanted children / had children; didn't want children / didn't have children; haven't decided if they want children, etc. We decided to have three separate casts, each performing for a week. This would allow us to recruit a large group of voices representing a variety of races, ages, economic and cultural backgrounds, and the whole spectrum of the GLBTQIA+ community. We are proud of the 21 artists who were able to join this adventure and share their stories. They are listed below.
Making a video of the performances was an integral part of Ariel’s concept. We wanted to make sure that those who, despite our precautions, did not feel safe watching live theatre, would be able to experience these stories and performances.
To Breed . . . or Not to Breed was directed (via Zoom) by Ben Layne, stage managed by Andy Kedl, with lighting by Ariel Pinkerton and music by Aaron Henderson. Ruth Virkus was the dramaturg. Bill Stiteler was the videographer.
We are excited to share this moving and thoughtful show with you. To Breed . . . or Not to Breed will be available online from December 5, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Videos may be viewed at any time for free. Below you will find links to each video, an online program for each one, and a direct link to our PayPal account, should you feel able and moved to donate. You may use a credit card, your bank account, Venmo, or PayPal. We suggest $10 per video, but it is entirely up to you.
VIDEO LINEUP (see programs for additional details)
November 4-8, 7:00 p.m.
“Therefore, I Trust Myself” written and performed by Anthony & Haley Sisler-Neuman
“Mother’s House” written by Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, performed by Jeannie Lander
“I Have Only One Regret” written and performed by Heidi M. Garrido
“I Don’t Wanna” written by Daniel Pinkerton, performed by Daniel & Ariel Pinkerton
“Real” written and performed by Suzie Juul
“This Is Not How I Wanted to Start This Story” written and performed by Ariel Pinkerton
November 11-15, 7:00 p.m.
“Blood Knot” written and performed by Linda Sue Anderson & Tim Hammett
“Riding with the Tide” written and performed by Doc Woods
“Nothing Traditional Here!” written and performed by David Coral and Vicki Knight
“The Poem” written and performed by Kelli Gore Raney
“The Things I Didn’t Carry” written and performed by Eli Effinger-Weintraub
“SLAMM” written and performed by Jean Wolff
November 18-22, 7:00 p.m.
“I Want a Goddamn Cloak” written and performed by Jen Scott
“The Family You Choose” written and performed by Josh Cragun
“Following Your Bliss and Avoiding Other People’s” written and performed by Matt Kessen
“My Pandemic Pregnancy” written and performed by Jenna Papke
“Hole” written and performed by Ariel Pinkerton
“The Duckling List” written and performed by Duck Washington
November 4-8, 7:00 p.m.
“Therefore, I Trust Myself” written and performed by Anthony & Haley Sisler-Neuman
“Mother’s House” written by Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, performed by Jeannie Lander
“I Have Only One Regret” written and performed by Heidi M. Garrido
“I Don’t Wanna” written by Daniel Pinkerton, performed by Daniel & Ariel Pinkerton
“Real” written and performed by Suzie Juul
“This Is Not How I Wanted to Start This Story” written and performed by Ariel Pinkerton
November 11-15, 7:00 p.m.
“Blood Knot” written and performed by Linda Sue Anderson & Tim Hammett
“Riding with the Tide” written and performed by Doc Woods
“Nothing Traditional Here!” written and performed by David Coral and Vicki Knight
“The Poem” written and performed by Kelli Gore Raney
“The Things I Didn’t Carry” written and performed by Eli Effinger-Weintraub
“SLAMM” written and performed by Jean Wolff
November 18-22, 7:00 p.m.
“I Want a Goddamn Cloak” written and performed by Jen Scott
“The Family You Choose” written and performed by Josh Cragun
“Following Your Bliss and Avoiding Other People’s” written and performed by Matt Kessen
“My Pandemic Pregnancy” written and performed by Jenna Papke
“Hole” written and performed by Ariel Pinkerton
“The Duckling List” written and performed by Duck Washington
