by Jaclyn Backhaus
directed by Wanlass Guest Artist Deena Selenow
Also performs: November 8 & 9 at 7:30pm and November 10 at 2pm
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. MEN ON BOATS is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, during which a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. These historical explorers, upon whom the MEN ON BOATS characters are based, were all cisgender white males. In this action-packed and heartfelt comedy, these cis-male characters are performed by a diverse cast of female-identifying and gender-nonbinary actors. Seeing individuals whose voices and bodies have historically been excluded from the “founding narrative” of America perform the journey of what is known as The Powell Geographical Expedition of 1869 challenges us to look at history through a new lens. The layering of contemporary dialogue on historical incidents invites us to question ourselves (and each other) about whose stories are being told, and by whom. Whose stories are not being told, and why? What is the story of contemporary America that we will pass along to future generations, and who will tell it? MEN ON BOATS asks: what will be our legacy?
Listen to director Deena Selenow discuss MEN ON BOATS.
