HOUSE OF AMERICAN ACTIVITIES is an original dance-theater production about the fears, divisions, and nascent uprising shaping the lives of Americans during the 1950s Red Scare. As government officials, Hollywood stars, and powerless Americans grasp for an alternative ending to a story on repeat, who will survive and who will be left behind?
Created by the after-image and a team of devisors, this 80-minute production envisions a fictional world in which world-famous activist and celebrity Paul Robeson and Hollywood star Judy Holliday prepare to face off against the House Un-American Activities Committee. As they negotiate with Congressional staff and ordinary people behind closed doors, everyone’s agendas and hopes slam up against one another, but in this culture of fear, not everyone will come out on top.
Produced by the after-image
Created and co-written by Amy Shoshana Blumberg and Kate St. John
with additional writing and material generated by devising company:
Bryanna Bradley, Caroline Burkhart, Tad Cameron, Zahydé Pietri, and Alyssa Virji
Direction and choreography by Amy Shoshana Blumberg
Creative direction and scenic design by Kate St. John
and
Lighting design by Yang Yu
Costume design by Sarah Constable
Sound design by Nina Field
Stage Management by Yoonie Yun and Dakota Silvey
Dramaturgy by Vida Manalang
Production history // March 2022 world premiere at Theater for the New City
