A peek inside Foot of Water by Single Carrot Theatre

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Foot of Water by Single Carrot Theatre

Got questions about SCT’s latest offering? Perhaps this piece from Director Ben Hoover can shed some light.

Nearly one year ago, in early August 2011, the Single Carrot Ensemble sat down to talk about Foot of Water, what was then called, Long Process Ensemble Devised Work. With only a scheduled opening night ten months away, we asked, “what do we want to see a show about?” After weeks of research and discussion, we decided that the Sociology of Sex was a topic that could sustain us through creation, rehearsal, and performance. That is, it’s something we care about a great deal.

However, the process really took off later than those first discussions in August, and was sparked in December with a workshop on Grotowski-style trainings, as taught to us by Double Edge Theatre from Ashfield, MA. Much, if not all of Foot of Water, is sourced from the subsequent trainings born from this workshop. Out of these one of these trainings came the idea of ritual.

Think of the rituals we have all gone through, or will eventually go through in our personal sex histories: the first date, the high school dance, your first kiss, going to college, getting married, and ultimately, losing your virginity. Rituals are symbolic acts that are both prescribed by and reaffirm communities. These things establish the rules that create them. They are events that connect one man or woman with everyone else. (With a subject as ubiquitous as sex, it’s impossible to ignore the greater human—and, dare I say, animal—connection.)

But, more than that, it’s also useful to consider the cosmic nature of rituals. They provide a contraction of the cosmic envelope, shrink the whole world and give participants a site to communicate or interact with the external forces that govern their existence (here, with those that control our sex lives).

Now, we’re not strictly encouraging your participation in this performance, but should the desire arise, don’t be ashamed. We’re right there with you.

 

Do you believe in Single Carrot?

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You may have gotten a letter in the last six weeks asking you the following question:

Do you believe in Single Carrot?

This letter was telling you about an awesome match campaign that our board and superstar donors put forward to raise $15,000. We only have $3,000 left to raise to fulfill this match.  We are nearing the end of our 5th season, and we need your help to get us to the 6th. Every dollar you give will be matched 100%. This means that giving $100 is like giving $200.

What we do is not possible without your support. Join us and believe in theatre, Baltimore, art, education, and community.

We can raise the last $3,000 to complete the match campaign, but it will take your help. Donate through our website or mail a check to PO Box 2334, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Need one more good reason to make a donation? See what some of our board members believe in:

Single Carrot Theatre and its ensemble members inspire me. They inspire me to try to bring more art into my life. They inspire me to work excruciatingly hard at things that are worth it. They inspire me to do things because they are worth doing and to not only do those things for myself, but also my community. My donation to Single Carrot Theatre helps them continue to inspire.
– Jessica Lanzillotti

Single Carrot is playing an essential role in revitalizing Baltimore. North Avenue is a significantly different, safer, better place for all of us since they made their theater home in our city.
-Karen Stokes

In 5 years, this remarkable ensemble has succeeded in providing a living for 5 of its 8 Carrots. Let’s complete the bunch. Leave no single Carrot behind!
-Bob Bowie

I support Single Carrot Theatre because I believe wholeheartedly that the entire Carrot Community is helping to shape the future of Baltimore’s great arts scene and working to truly make Baltimore the greatest city in America.
– Nathan Cooper

I believe in Single Carrot because they give so much to Baltimore. Through their artistic endeavors they not only create art but promote healing.
–Edgar Wiggins

Single Carrot creates vibrant theatre at a ticket price that’s affordable to everyone. My donation is a small way of saying thanks to its underpaid (and sometimes unpaid) professional staff.
-Rich Espey