THE HEIST PROJECT
World Premiere November 2005
CALL FOR ENTRIES – poets/writers
Creators of The Heist Project are asking poets and writers to choose 1 or more pieces from the works which were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (see below) and create short (2-4 min.) pieces of writing (poems or dialogue) to be spoken by the actors inside of the actual works of art during the play.
Writing can be from a variety of viewpoints – the models for the painting, the paintings themselves, or the models’ opinions of the artists (Rembrandt, Degas etc.). Work may incorporate larger themes of how we feel about art – what is its value? What is its role in our culture? How do we feel about artists? What is their impact on our lives? Etc. Take the painting as a starting point – all language, however, should be contemporary American speech.
Writers should be prepared to partake in dialogue with the show’s creators, as their work will be part of a larger theatrical concept. This play is a collaborative effort, to be created in an organic rehearsal atmosphere. We are looking for writers who can be flexible: be prepared for possible requests for rewrites and ongoing discussions during the rehearsal process (October 2005).
The stolen works can be viewed at: http://www.arthouseproductions.org/heist.html
(*we are not accepting submissions for the Rembrandt self portrait at this time)
All pieces of writing must be received by Friday, September 30, 2005. Email all completed work (up to 6 pieces) as well as a short sample (1-3 pg.) of previous writing to Art House Productions at heistproject@aol.com. Indicate which stolen Gardner work(s) you are interpreting.
ABOUT THE PLAY:
Fifteen years ago, paintings by Rembrandt, Degas, Vermeer and others were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA, leaving a massive hole in the collection of one of the world's foremost patrons of the arts. Although these works are valued at over $500 million, they are considered by many to be priceless. Due to stipulations in Ms. Gardner's will, the museum could not be altered after her death, leaving huge spaces of bare gallery wall where the art once hung.
Right now, Jersey City, NJ, is experiencing a similar sense of artistic loss. Due to struggles over space and property development, artists who once resided in the Powerhouse Arts District have been forced to vacate their studios and homes. The heartbeat and creative force of Jersey City lives on, but hundreds of artists who once lived and worked together do so separately now, and many have left town by necessity. The arts community is rebuilding with fervor, but there is no denying that Jersey City was wounded terribly by this loss within the Powerhouse Arts District.
In November 2005, Art House Productions will present The Heist Project, an exciting, collaborative, multimedia play exploring these two true stories. The Heist Project is a "living art exhibit" where modern interpretations of the stolen Gardner works come to life with actual actors inside of the paintings (dialogue to be created by area poets and writers). Ultimately, The Heist Project is meant to be a reflection of the value our society places on its art and artists.
The Heist Project will take place in Victory Hall’s 4,000 sq ft. third floor space. The show will open on Friday, November 4, 2005 and performances continue on Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm. Performance schedule is as follows: November 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. VICTORY HALL is at 186 Grand St. (at Marin Blvd.) in Jersey City (do not use this as a mailing address). For more information about Art House Productions, visit http://www.arthouseproductions.org.
For questions, call or email Christine Goodman, Producer, at 201-915-9911 or email info@arthouseproductions.org
