Audience members at the Holland Theatre are in for a rare treat this weekend, resembling an art and musical circus, when they get to watch a fusion of live, large-scale art created before their eyes on stage, being played out in tune with a rock concert filled with powerful vocals and imaginative movement.
Artrageous brings this family-friendly, vibrant art adventure, geared for all ages, to the theater at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, presented by the Holland Theatre and LoCo Art.
The internationally-traveling group, based in New Mexico, invites audience participation throughout the fully immersive show. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to be among the first 200 guests to be treated to an Artrageous Artventure Pack, with props to utilize throughout the evening.
“We want the audience to be involved, so that it’s an experience they’ll never forget,” performer and longtime Artrageous member Lauri Francis said this week. “As soon as they walk into the theater, they’ll be greeted by members of the troupe, handing out the Artventure kits.
“There will be so many different types of moments throughout the show, from high energy to inspirational and poignant moments to a super fun set on the stage. While all of the above is going on, we’ll be creating live portraits and mural paintings.”
The audience members will have the chance to go on stage throughout different parts of the show, and after the intermission, the theater will transform into a “black light world,” Francis said.
A native of Canada, Francis has been a part of the troupe since its officials inception about 12 years ago. Artrageous traces its roots back to the 1980s when troupe members formed together in Kitsilano, British Columbia. Much like Cirque du Soleil, the group started as street performers, performing as clowns, jugglers and puppeteers for anyone who would stop by, according to www.artrageousshow.com.
One of their first artistic endeavors was creating a non-profit children’s theatre troupe called “All and Everything Theatre,” where members taught themselves the ancient Japanese art form of Bunraku Puppetry. This art form requires three puppeteers dressed completely in black to work together to animate a life-sized puppet figure.
Today, Bunraku is still incorporated into the performances.
Francis also related that the multi-talented performers wear a “variety of hats” on the stage, being involved in creating of the large-scale artworks, which one lucky audience member has the chance to win, while also playing musical instruments, dancing and interacting with the audience.
In addition, other paintings created onstage during the show will be auctioned, with proceeds benefitting the Holland Theatre.
Traveling around the United States with Artrageous, and also internationally to locales in Canada, Mexico, Africa, Asia and Europe, has created many rewarding moments for Francis. While seeing the sights in other cities and countries has been quite memorable, the talented performer said meeting and inspiring new people has been some of her favorite parts of the adventure.
“Mostly, I remember the people. At the pre-show, we get to talk with so many incredible people and we get to learn so much about their lives.
“After the show, it’s so neat to hear about how they might be inspired to pick up their paintbrush or saxophone, or play the piano again, after it’s been 20 years since they’ve played or painted.
“Creating art and being able to express yourself through different forms of art is such an important part of life. We feel so fortunate to be able to bring this to life for people and to shower them with kindness throughout our show.”
