Productions

MOVING WATER at Museum of Science Boston, May 2022

In the face of rising sea levels, this new devised theatre piece addresses climate change and how water fragility shapes our human interactions. MOVING WATER was presented by the Museum of Science, Boston, May 24 & 25 in the Cahners Theater as part of the SubSpace Series. There was a reception with the Creative Team following each performance.

MOVING WATER

written by ERIC HENRY SANDERS
with original music by JONNY RODGERS
directed by SHERYL STOODLEY

A devised physical theatre production centered on the global water crisis, with highly visual staging, a diverse ensemble, choreographed movement, video environments, and original music. A poetic, absurdist, and often humorous work, which brings audiences into a deeper appreciation for, and understanding of, our human relationship to water.

Acting Ensemble includes Stephanie Reyes, Kermit Dunkelberg, and Marcus Neverson.

For more information see Present Collaborating Artists.

“Sheryl Stoodley's artistic directorship of Serious Play, a company based in Northampton, Massachusetts - but which has brought its work to important professional venues in NYC, Boston, Edinburgh, Athens and  the JoakimInterfest in Serbia, as well as to public high schools, college campuses, and prions -- reflects the range and depth of her theatrical and educational achievements.  I feel blessed and honored to have been involved with an array of Serious Play productions, workshops, and projects, including my role as script development dramaturg for Milan Dragicevic's Milosevic at the Hague (powerfully directed by Ms. Stoodley in its series of production incarnations.”  

— Leonard Berkman / Anne Hesseltine Hoyt Professor of Theatre, Smith College

“Serious Play Theatre Ensemble and their riveting production, Moving Water, is one of the most exciting collaborations I have had the pleasure of experiencing as an audience member, let alone presenting as a part of our SubSpace Programming at the Museum of Science, Boston. This important piece is the epitome of why it is vital for us as a society to examine STEM-related issues through an artistic lens and the beautiful end results that come from utilizing theater as a vehicle for conversations of current science. The talent driving the production forward is simply astounding, and kept our audiences riveted, captivated and engaged- ultimately leaving them inspired to activate necessary change in their own communities. Quite simply, Moving Water is a groundbreaking and revolutionary piece for audiences of all ages- something not many companies can accomplish. I am honored to have closed out our season with this project and to have been a small part of the ongoing change Serious Play Theatre Ensemble is catalyzing through this visionary work.”

—James Monroe, Producer, Adult Programs & Theater Experiences, Museum of Science, Boston MA

This new devised theater piece, Serious Play’s MOVING WATER, is one of the very best I’ve seen in years that addresses the real impact of water in people’s lives. Each character had their role, and their stories were revealed throughout the play, all the while weaving in the impacts of climate and rising water with the stories of three female immigrants, Zara (Pakistan), Celeste (Guatemala), Luna (Mexico), and the story of the Russian building superintendent, Sergei. There is also Drew, who will not recognize the impact and urgency of climate change. A great balance of difficult and horrifying things, with a lightness that came through, including moments of great beauty and grace with song and dance in celebration of water. I found that there are very few pieces that I've seen that are this well acted. The sets are minimal, which allows the acting, movement, lighting and soundscape to stand out. I have been working with water for 40 years, and I learned something new. This theatre piece is a combination of down-to-earth facts and big-picture ideas. It’s brilliantly directed and has a wonderful script. 

—Betsy Damon is an internationally recognized artist/activist for environmental rights .Her public  living water systems, such as the LIVING WATER GARDEN, have received widespread acclaim. She directs Keepers of the Water a nonprofit organization focused on ecological planning advocacy and education. Damon was a semi-finalist for the Buckminster Fuller Award and a finalist for the Stockholm Water Prize. She recently received the Guggenheim Award and lectures widely in the US, Europe, and China.

CONTACT SERIOUS PLAY WITH INQUIRIES ABOUT TOURING AND FUTURE PERFORMANCES

JUNE 2021 COMMUNITY WORKSHOP at 33 HAWLEY STREET

Jonny Rodgers, MOVING WATER composer, lead a community workshop on incorporating “Playtronica” into the original music for MOVING WATER. The workshop was held at 33 Hawley Street / Northampton Arts Trust Complex in Northampton, MA, and included interested musicians and other participants.

Footage from the workshop can be viewed in the video above. Rodgers explains “Playtronica” and his use of “Playtronica” in creating the original sound and music for MOVING WATER. The footage was part of a final report for Network of Ensemble Theaters for their NET-TEN EXCHANGE GRANT which Serious Play received to support our collaboration composer Jonny Rodgers, based in Oregon.

Listen to the full album here.

“We, the collaborating artists, are so proud of what this piece has become. A collaboration in the truest sense, where everyone has seen some part of their vision realized, but no-one has gotten everything they want—because we’ve together made something unique, that none of us could have foreseen or made on our own. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I know how tirelessly you all have worked to make this become what it is. Looking forward to what’s ahead for this piece!” - Jonny Rodgers. / artist collaborator-composed the original music for MOVING WATER