A theatrically and politically charged re-telling of a chain of historical events that fundamentally changed American history. THE PALMER RAIDS follows the fallout and backlash from a rash of vicious terrorist bombings that crossed the nation in 1919. A. Mitchell Palmer, then Attorney General of The United States and almost killed in one of the blasts, sets out on a series of raids in the name of justice. The shock waves from the raids ripple into the unfortunate Horace Peters, deporting the crusading anarchist Emma Goldman, and reaching their height in the impeachment trial of Assistant Secretary of Labor and defender of the law, Louis F. Post.
Through trademark athleticism, daring action, and mind–blowing images, Plasticene takes the simplicity of three folding tables, sixteen folding chairs, four lamps, some boxes, and an overhead projector into thrilling complexity.

 

“The fearless ensemble in airtight collaboration has done copious research about a generally forgotten episode in American history…
in a collage of words, sound and sweepingly choreographed motion—part Ken Burns' lyrical documentary style
and part daring street action––they have created an 80-minute theatrical storm.”
The Chicago Sun–Times

“Plasticene is ONE OF THE TEN BEST OF 2002...
The Palmer Raids is a docu–drama dissolving into a feverish angry poem.
Even with its up–to–date technology, the show harkens back to the
Living Newspaper style made famous by the Federal Theatre Project...
the show has a lot to say to us, here and now.”
The Chicago Tribune

“...the show is positively athletic and wonderfully apt. ...sweet and scary.”
The Chicago Reader

“Plasticene takes its concepts to innovative heights, with an ensemble that re-invents emotional intimacy
through body–bending movement and verbal quips”
UR Magazine

“One of the most inspired productions of 2002 for sheer smarts and chilling topicality.”
Performink


World Premiered: Friday, September 13th, 2002 at National Pastime Theater, Chicago

 

For more historical information on the actual Palmer Raids, click here & here.