Refuge is a kaleidoscopic revelation of the stories held in four people’s suitcases. The stories are told, without words, between the precise rolling of screens. Atmospheric, scenic, intense, and curious, the piece follows four people thrown off the edges of life who struggle to find balance as they fall. Espionage, war, a deadly secret, and the mind of a child weave into the action. Through a blend of high–impact physicality, gently unfolding acting, and a live sound–scape, Refuge rolls from chaos to a quiet place and into a stunning finale.

"A mind boggling act of synchronization and timing,
Refuge is at once seamless, compressed and spontaneous.
The performers’ concentration and control are phenomenal...
You watch them and are afraid to blink.”
– Chicago Sun–Times
One of the Top Ten of 1999

“ This striking piece of art seems especially timely
when performed amid current real–life events…
an intense and visceral hour spinning with hidden insights.”
- Chicago Tribune

"It’s been clear ever since Plasticene’s first production that this is a group to watch…
 a visceral, witty, hallucinogenically sensual theater experience.”
-The Chicago Reader

World Premiere 1996 Schaeberle Studio, New York City and 1999 National Pastime Theater, Chicago

 

Back