Stoked about the election and looking to bathe even more deeply in it? (Really?) Looking to hide out until you get the all clear? Either way, the arts can help get you through. Check out these unique political experiences.
Raise Your Voice – Vote! from the Fountain Theatre
The Fountain calls Raise Your Voice—Vote! a “guerrilla-style, immersive theater event.” Its goal is to increase voter awareness and encourage the public to vote. The event will take place over two days at six Los Angeles locations spanning L.A.’s cultural landscape.
Five actors will present a series of pop-up performances in these public spaces. Each performance will feature iconic America speeches about voting rights, plus dance and song. Volunteers will be stationed at every location to assist with voter education.
Watch the livestream every hour on the hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at www.FountainTheatre.com.
In A Perfect World from Open Fist Theatre Company
Open Fist’s fourth annual political pop-up show will livestream a series of 10-minute plays, submitted by playwrights from all over the country. Titles include “Choices,” “Social Distance,” “Needs Work,” “Book of Life” and “Eye Chart.”
There are four performances of In A Perfect World: Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8:00 pm, Oct. 25 at 4:00 pm, Oct. 30 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 1 @ 2:00 pm. Admission is free and reservations can be made here.
Daisy from the International City Theatre of Long Beach
International City Theatre streams a virtual presentation of Sean Devine’s compelling historical drama, a fascinating look at the creation of and psychology behind TV’s first political attack ad.
An ad team working for incumbent president Lyndon B. Johnson, runing against Barry Goldwater, created the “Daisy” ad in 1964. The ad ran once and was immediately banned, but its impact is still felt. Daisy explores the art and science of political manipulation, the forces at play on public consciousness and the impact that fear has had on our democracy..
Streaming on demand Oct. 24 thru Nov. 7. Tickets are $20. Click here for more information and to purchase.
We the People from Skylight Theatre
Skylight Theatre’s Skylight Live is hosting We the People, a “conversation about our country at a crossroads.” The event features a large (and growing) list of participants, including Dan Bucatinsky, Sharon Lawrence, Wendie Malick, James Naughton, Christina Pickles, Charles Shaughnessy, Joe Spano and JoBeth Williams.
We the People will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 3:00pm. It’s expected to last 45-55 mins including a Q&A. Free tickets are available here.
Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy
Playwright Sarah Gancher enters the workplace of fictional Russian trolls working at the oh-so-real Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg, trying to sway the American Presidential election. Although the setting is 2016, it was written this year and, given recent news about election interference, is quite timely. You can read reviews here and here.
Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy is being presented online as a joint project by three theater companies – Theaterworks Hartford, Theatersquared of Arkansas, and The Civilians of New York. It was recorded live and is available on demand from October 25 to November 2. Tickets cost $20.20 and are available here. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The Real Activist
A new 30-minute documentary, The Real Activist, reveals insights about real-world election hacking and could pair well with the real-feeling Russian Troll Farm.
The Real Activist, written and directed by Jody Banks, questions the legitimacy of the government itself through the personal lens of open source software activist Brent Turner. Supported by testimony from world-renowned computer scientists, politicians, former CIA chief R. James Woolsey and commentary from actor and writer Peter Coyote, Turner’s quest for justice offers real solutions to the corporate greed and political corruption that threaten the foundation of American democracy.
The film premieres Election Day on Amazon Prime Video here.
In Ruth We Trust
Let the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsberg help you cope with election-related stress. Special event organizer Of the Night will hand-deliver In Ruth We Trust, an empowering RGB-themed party package, on Election Day Eve 2020. As a bonus, 100% of all package proceeds support Planned Parenthood.
Each party package includes special RGB-themed items and surprises, including a Notorious RBG dissent collar, crown and gavel; Notorious RBG rosé and other beverages; I Dissent board game; a copy of the all-ages stress reduction activity book, Anger Confetti, and a DAMMIT Doll for stress relief; an RBG bagged lunch featuring Rosie’s Bagels with a schmear and plenty of other food; stickers; artwork; a curated Spotify playlist; an RBG Blythe Co lavender-sage candle; and Election Day balloon drop essentials–plus more. Whew!
Only 30 packages are available. Packages will arrive between 12:30pm and 5:30pm on Monday, Nov. 2. They cost $175 and are available here.
