Fourth Wall Down

09/06/2019

We are thrilled by all the amazing work coming from members of The Collective; unfortunately, due to an unpredictable and unavoidable scheduling conflict, our upcoming production of "An Ordinary Man" has cancelled. We value our artists, and the amazing opportunities they've earned across our community. Stay tuned for more on what's next for FWD, as we bounce back, once again.

03/05/2019

"The theatre is an art form. Remember that. It is a vast undertaking, much bigger than all of us who work in it. Of course we are going to fail--we are taking on a huge task, an almost impossible one. I know that people--even people engaged in working within the theatre--look at us and wonder why we can't be better all the time. Why can't we succeed more often? Why did we fail to engage an audience? Why did we lose the award? Why are things so bad? If you ever look at an art form and there is always success, and there are always full houses, and the magazines crow about its value, you can know that no chances have been taken, easy roads have been constructed and utilized. Risk breeds failure, but risk also breeds brilliance. It is important that all of us get out of our artistic comfort zones and risk a few things--risk everything! Aim higher. Do some damage to yourself. Try something you never dreamed possible. Everyone improves when this risk is taken, and you can't be discouraged if the reviews are disdainful or confused; if the audiences don't come; if people wonder why you can't just give them that smooth cream that calms them and puts them to sleep. It takes one person to say YES--to giving you the money to write and produce a play; to taking a part and giving you everything they have; to buying a ticket and submitting to your experiment; to taking the baton you've handed them and agreeing to run with it, to try something similar. YES! YES! It only takes one person. Be the first person to say it. Say it often. Affirm people. Show up. Make things happen for everyone. Say YES."--Tennessee Williams/Interview with James Grissom/1982/

29/04/2019

Seeking outspoken, talented artists for the Us/Them Gallery; and the regional premier of "An Ordinary Man", opening in The Grove, early June.

All artforms are welcome, including but not limited to: wall art, sculpture, photography, digital media, written word, spoken word, street art, and even live performance. FWD is a creative collective, and takes pride in it's multifaceted approach to complex social issues, pulling insight and inspiration from all corners of the STL community. If you have something to say, we will help you say it.

Upon request, FWD will gladly facilitate art sales, commission-free. Multiple entrees welcome. For more info, to storyboard a statement art piece, or to submit, email:
[email protected]
or message us: Fourth Wall Down

"Uncommon conversations about common concerns."

26/04/2019

Submissions for the Us/Them Gallery, and our "bulletin board" transitions for "An Ordinary Man", are starting to trickle in. All perspectives and production levels are welcome, and we will assist as much as we can.

If you have something to say, submit or engage with us at [email protected]

22/04/2019

Submit your short (10-60s) clip to be incorporated into the LIVE PERFORMANCE of Mel Arrighi's "An Ordinary Man", and/or long-form video to be featured in the 'Us/Them Gallery'; both opening in The Grove, this June.

We're building a (video) WALL.
It's HUGE (at least 9 screens).
We want to hear from YOU, the REAL America/STL.

For details, or to submit, email: [email protected]
or visit FourthWallDown.org

WILL NOT BE TELEVISED

25/03/2019

20/03/2019

Fourth Wall Down seeks talented artist-activists for the upcoming "Us/Them Gallery", in early June, continuing our successful Installation Series. The two story exhibition, located in the Grove, will focus on "Otherness", Unity, Nationalism, resurgence of the Us/Them narrative, News/Media, Self-Identity, Civil Unrest, Indifference/Empathy, and Hope. The upper and lower galleries will be further divided into 'Propaganda' and 'Protest', respectively; both serving as performance space for the regional premier of "An Ordinary Man", written by Mel Arrighi in 1968. All artforms are welcome, including digital content, which will be incorporated into the performance by way of a custom built video wall. Fourth Wall Down would like to showcase the zeitgeist of STL through a broad range of styles and perspectives, and will gladly facilitate any art sales, commission-free. A significant portion of all ticket sales will go to benefit The Therapeutics, a local 1st Amendment promoter. For more information, or to submit a limited portfolio, email us at [email protected]

23/01/2019

Artists/Activists/Historians/Politicians/Pundits

Fourth Wall Down, a St.Louis-based theatre collective, welcomes short-term collaborators and creatives to participate in the upcoming regional premiere of "An Ordinary Man", opening in *early June*. FWD's treatment of the 1968 script will tackle many themes, including: White Indifference, Nationalism, Racism, the cyclical nature of Politics, Propaganda/Misinformation, News/Media, Self-Identity, and Activism/Civil Unrest. The transitions between scenes of this memory play will consist of video "Annotations/Bulletin Boards", for the St.Louis community to express themselves; made possible by a large setpiece video wall. These annotations can be original content (music, poetry, short narratives, etc), or we are very interested in juxtaposing historical archive video with modern news/media coverage (aka "Supercut"), showing historical context or highlighting outdated thinking that has come back into fashion. "History Repeating", or "Business as Usual" resurfacing? FWD would like to incorporate as many voices as possible with our limited resources; so we only ask for short (10-30sec) proposals, for now. Long-form videos may be accepted, if gallery hours become available. We hope to serve as a community platform for expression and discussion. All submissions will be treated seriously, but FWD is particularly interested in showcasing Artists of Color, whose perspective is underrepresented in the 1968 script. Deeper collaboration, or entry into our cast of paid co-producers, is also a possibility. Specific transitions with specific scene themes can be provided, or broad personal interpretation is welcome. Tangible artforms will also be accepted, as the production will take place inside a themed pop-up art gallery, which may remain open during the week. For more information, or to submit a proposal, email [email protected], or visit FourthWallDown.org/future

future

10/01/2019

Fourth Wall Down, a theatre collective, welcomes short-term collaborators and creatives to participate in our upcoming regional premier of "An Ordinary Man". The 1968 script tackles many themes, including: Nationalism, Racism, White Indifference, the cyclical nature of Politics, Propaganda, News/Media, and Activism/Civil Unrest. The scene transitions for this memory play will consist of Original Content "Annotations". This could mean comparing historical archive video of lessons we should have learned, to modern media coverage of social issues, a soundtrack/song to accompany a visual display, unaccompanied spoken word poetry, etc. The limitations of self-expression and exploration, in this case, would only be self-imposed. FWD is looking into utilizing a video wall, with multiple screens on a three dimensional plane; so participants can feel free to think outside the usual boxes. FWD would like to incorporate as many voices as possible with our limited resources; so we only ask for short (likely no longer that 30 seconds) proposals. Deeper collaboration, or entry into our cast of paid co-producers, is also a possibility. Specific transitions with specific scene themes can be provided, or broad personal interpretation is welcome. All submissions will be treated seriously, but FWD is particularly interested in showcasing Artists of Color, whose perspective is underrepresented in the 1968 script. If interested, or for more information, please send a Letter of Interest to [email protected], along with any materials showcasing your artistic practice or intention.

https://www.fourthwalldown.org/future

future

21/11/2018

Actor/Collaborator submissions are now being accepted for "An Ordinary Man".

Expect anything but an ordinary production.

auditions

07/11/2018

Hey gang! We are a long shot, because of our intentionally intimate audience size, but "The Drowning Girls" has been nominated for some awards! This has been an exhausting political season, and you may be tired of voting; but if you have a minute to cheer on an underdog, please throw some weight behind our merry band! And congrats to all the other great art being made and shared in St.Louis.

2018 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Awards

24/09/2018

Fostering uncommon conversations, about common concerns.

23/09/2018

Big thanks to Nine Network/KETC/PBS and Mike Gualdoni for our newest promo video!

13/09/2018

Hey folx!
The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis is finally releasing the information they've collected as part of their EVOKE program, and they're throwing a party to celebrate! Fourth Wall Down Theatre Collective will be helping out with a short scene from next 'season': Aaron Posner's "Stupid F*cking Bird". Come celebrate St Louis art! It's FREE!!

Thursday, September 13th 6 – 8 p.m. Come join us as we announcea Creative Vision for St. Louisinformed by YOU!

03/08/2018

Hey gang!
We don't believe you should ever be without weird art; so while we're amping up for "An Ordinary Man" this Fall, we would like to encourage you to see "The Realistic Joneses", by our good friends at Rebel And Misfits Productions, LLC.It's is a unique, crafted, artistic expression of brilliantly awkward writing, and poingnant performances. A story, told in uncommon fashion, by uncommonly talented artists: we're all about that.

Risky work by companies and artists that take pride in their craft, and boldly push the desk the envelope is sitting on: these are the banners of the Midwestern artistic revolution to come.

With the shifting tide, climb onboard, and we can sail far.

http://www.rebelandmisfitsproductions.com/the-realistic-joneses/

Recent roles include Sister Peggy in As it is in Heaven (Mustard Seed Theatre), Amanda in The Glass Menagerie (Bluff City Theatre), Miss Julie in Miss Julie, Clarissa and John (The Black Rep – Judy Award-St. Louis Post-Dispatch), Joanne in Company (Insight Theatre – Best Supporting Actress-St. L...

26/07/2018

Our last production deconstructed the theatric conceit of a light grid.
Our next will explore "Setting": Time and Place.
Premiering Off-Broadway just five months after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.
Set in the near-future 70s, NYC, as the US lives under a form of apartheid.
Performing in St.Louis, 2018.

As always, Fourth Wall Down aims to explore the barriers we place around art, morality, societal norms, and ourselves. Through tactful disorientation and committed focus to deserving issues, we hope to anchor our audience; fostering uncommon conversations about common concerns.

If all the world's a stage, when will you let your Fourth Wall Down.

future

17/07/2018

This is friggin awesome!

I feel a little weird, cuz I applied for a small Home Depot grant for "The Drowning Girls". I'm a renovator/landlord when I'm not in theatre or creating weird art, and am always pleasantly surprised by how much you can achieve with some imagination at a hardware store. Anyway, I thought the reason the local St.Louis branch passed on TDG was cuz our subject matter was too dark/morbid... I don't know the exact stats, but I think more than three women drowned the night the Titanic sank... No hate. Just envy. I hope someday we can get to this expansive/expensive level.

If you ask me, this sort of work is the future evolution of profit-making theatre (yes, we deserve to be popular enough to make a profit). In a post reality-tv, streaming content, instant-gratification America, live performance will only survive through Artistry, Craft, and Ephemerality.

These things we make, subtle and complex, exist for the fleating moments we tell our stories. Come see grand Spectacle made humble by a unique, flawed, evocative Moment.

If you're not watching live theatre, you're missing out.

The doomed luxury liner sinks nightly as part of a season that sets each of its productions on and around bodies of water.

15/07/2018

Like many techies, closing was still a release and climactic moment; but this is the resolving action. Final catharsis. Our story is told. Return to neutral. Thank you Wild Carrot, for being our vessel. I hope many more memorable moments pour through your doors.

We were in and out by 11:30 (which I'm pretty proud of), so that Laura and Casey could plan for Laura's parents celebrating 45 of marriage.

Thanks everyone, for supporting this 'man of independent (theatre) means". Hold your breath for our next storyline.

14/07/2018

Raining outside is easy. Tonight we close "The Drowning Girls", making it rain from the rafters of Wild Carrot one last time.
"Freedom. Love. Last chance."
Who knows where we'll be next...

13/07/2018

Our set is being repurposed for the Sofar Sounds music fest tonight! Excited for the show!

11/07/2018

Word is getting out.

Story: Three young brides lie submerged in a trio of bathtubs. Suddenly they spring up, gasping for air. Dressed completely in white, they exit their tubs and begin to speak

08/07/2018

http://kdhx.org/articles/theatre-reviews/1187-ethereal-and-evocative-‘the-drowning-girls’-is-a-captivating-tale-of-seduction,-abuse-and-murder

Life a ghost story come to life, ‘The Drowning Girls’ is a dark and strangely compelling tale of domestic abuse and murder in the Edwardian era.

05/07/2018

Big thanks to Two on the Aisle, for their video review of "The Drowning Girls"!

01/07/2018

Happy Canada Day to Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic, and Charlie Tomlinson! Come beat the heat and celebrate with "The Drowning Girls"! Three Canadian playwrights for the price of one!!! No swimming for a half hour after poutine.

26/06/2018

Our first 'review' comes from a very informed source. Maggie Menefee, Executive Director of ALIVE STL, attended on Saturday, and formalized her thoughts into an open letter:

"From the first moment of the play to the final act, the story captivates you and holds your attention to the lives of these three women. Each recounts her life in a very poignant, and at times, humorous, tender expression of hope, love, and ultimately, control by her abusive husband.

Even though this play is set at the turn of the century, the dilemma and reality of intimate partner violence still contains the same elements experienced by these women. They fall in love with the hope of marriage and happiness. Their lives turn into isolation, leaving their families behind, who protest
loudly against the “man” they are each marrying. “He is not good enough for you, he is taking your money”. The families can see what the eyes of these vulnerable women do not.

The control begins with isolation and moves quickly into shaming, making them believe they are sick, and/or unworthy of affection. Financial control, emotional control, and isolation: all are clearly components of abusive relationships. For these three women, their lives were taken violently away.

At ALIVE, we hear these stories from victims every day, recounting the fear, the physical abuse, the emotional abuse, the control over activities, who their friends are, who they can see in their families- all in the name of love.

I urge you to see this play and experience the brief lives of The Drowning Girls."

Our sincerest thanks, Maggie.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-drowning-girls-tickets-45546115658?aff=eac2

Fourth Wall Down theatre collective presents "The Drowning Girls" (by Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic, and Charlie Tomlinson), at Wild Carrot, 8pm, June 22- July 14.That's pretty enticing. Maybe just get your tickets now.Or...If you'd like to hear A LOT more about the play... READ ON!----------------...

24/06/2018

On The Current Mood of St.Louis Art{ists}

After the cancelation of “The Drowning Girls” last year, we had some time to reevaluate our take on this important bit of art and commentary. At one point, releasing ourselves from the burden of producing a historical “period piece”, the cast was two thirds African-American: not as a gimmick or an edgy ploy, but because they were the best artists for the job at the time. Those two actresses are still with us in spirit, but we parted on good terms so they could pursue other worthwhile ventures. As the dice have landed, we have what might be considered a “traditional Edwardian” cast; again, simply because they were the best artists for the job; but “The Drowning Girls” is not a story about white English women at the turn of the century. It is a story about all women; or the all-too-many women impacted and taken advantage of by pervasive patriarchal social norms. If you see our publicity posted around town or on social media, I hope you will see the plight of all effected by emotional or physical abuse, and correlate that mindset to other social issues we face today. I will be so bold as to say it is not an artist’s ‘duty’ to comment on these issues. That is for each unique, individual artist to decide. The beauty of art is that it happens for all sorts of reasons, and that needs to be ok; but it is certainly our PRIVILEGE to be creating in a time when these complex issues, poignantly muddied by the context of history, can be openly explored in ways past generations could scarcely imagine. It is an exciting, sometimes frightening, period of expression. With a balance of boldness and tact, I believe in the power of art to change the world for the better; but that power must also be respected, as we are gifted with influence and a platform to touch the very hearts of our audience. For artists that choose to make St.Louis their canvas, the entrenched difficulties of our city can feel overwhelming, but that is exactly why we present here: art finds strongest purchase in the places with the most work to be done: most often, the mind of the viewer. These are conversations that many artists feel must be pushed, must be showcased, and must be heard for the sake of our collective soul. I am one such artist, and that is my unflinching choice. My cast is filled to bursting with strong women that are such artists. I encourage everyone to look inside themselves to discover or redefine what kind of artist they would like to be, and to not do so quietly.

To end on a shameless plug, I hope you will join us, to continue the conversation.

(This is not in response to any complaints on our production, quite to the contrary; but simply an unsolicited opinion I felt compelled to share.)

18/06/2018

Photoshoots/The Road So Far...

18/06/2018

Our good friend Jay Kidd (insta: ) keeps sending us the best stuff! Here's a look at the process of making this beautiful oceanic triptic. These pieces and others will be for sale throughout our run, and Jay has graciously offered to gift HALF of the sale to ALIVE STL! Completely unprompted, other artists are following suit. Enjoy an evening's entertainment, bring home one of a kind art, and help an organization that has a profound impact on on our community, right here in St.Louis!

"The Drowning Girls" will have it's regional premier THIS Friday(22nd-14th), at the brand new Wild Carrot! All proceeds from the first two nights will be gifted to ALIVE STL!

Much more, soon...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-drowning-girls-tickets-45546115658?aff=eac2

15/06/2018

Taking their first plunge.