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11 MINUTES  THEATRE

PRESENTS

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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY

PEDRO CALDERÓN DE LA BARCA

BASED ON

LA VIDA ES SUEÑO

TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED BY

JANINE ANN KEHLENBACH

All music used with express permission from TencyMusic

www.tencymusic.com

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NOTE FROM THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:

I am a big believer that theatrical sets are ultimately another character on the stage. A lead character even. Sets play an important role not only in helping the audience feel connected to the moment, but to help tell the story and set the mood.

 

Spanish Golden Age plays, however, are traditionally very modest sets with maybe one or two pieces being of any focus or importance. The actors are the critical components to tell the story, set the mood, engage the audience, and the set is tertiary. What is there is there to give some depth, layer, and texture to what is otherwise a black box. We very much want to keep with this tradition while bringing you a few modern twists.

 

Start with an open mind and be willing to explore this world with us, and I am confident you will enjoy our choices and our show! 

PROLOGUE

Unspecified place, U.S.A. March 21, 1951 (the spring equinox)

One day in the 1950s, the lives of seven unassuming strangers collide, connect, and transform though a dream-like apparition.

THE CAST: LIFE COULD BE A DREAM (SH-BOOM)

ACT I

THE DREAM 

Mountains to the northwest of Valencia, Spain. March 17, 1501 (3 days before the spring equinox)

i - THE ARRIVAL OF THE OUTLAWS

ii - THE DISCOVERY OF A STRANGER

iii - THE DISCOVERY OF THE INFILTRATORS

iv - THE DISCOVERY OF A SON

v - THE WOOING, RETURNING TO THE CASTLE

ASTOLFO: DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

vi - THE BOMBSHELL

vii - THE PLEA

viii - THE RELEASE OF THE PRISONERS
THE CAST: DREAM, DREAM, DREAM

ACT II

THE AWAKENING

The Queen's Palace. March 18, 1501 (2 days before the spring equinox)

i - THE DECEPTION OF SEGISMUNDO

ii - THE FORGING OF AN ALLIANCE
CLARÍN: DREAM 

iii - THE AWAKENING OF SEGISMUNDO

iv - THE IGNITING OF TWO EGOS

v - THE STOKING OF THE FIRE 

vi - THE CONFRONTATION OF MOTHER AND CHILD

viI - THE SPARKING OF PASSIONS

viii - THE PURSUIT OF ROSAURA

ix - THE RESCUE AND SAVING OF HONOR

x - THE RESTRAINING OF SEGISMUNDO

xi - THE CHALLENGE OF THE PENDANT

xii - THE FAVOR
ESTRELLA & ROSAURA: MR. SANDMAN

xiii - THE TORMENTING OF A DECISION

xiv - THE TESTING OF ASTOLFO

xv - THE REVELATIONS AND REVENGE ON ASTOLFO

xvi - THE BREAK UP

xvii - THE ENSLAVING OF SEGISMUNDO AND CLARÍN

xviii - THE RESTARTING OF THE NIGHTMARE

xix - THE RECOGNITION: IS LIFE A DREAM OR A LIE

INTERMISSION
ACT III

THE TRUTH

Mountains / The Queen's Palace. Valencia, Spain. March 20, 1501 (the spring equinox)

THE CAST: DREAM LOVER

i - THE SOUNDING OF THE CLARION

ii - THE FREEING OF THE PRINCE

iii - THE RESURGENCE OF DOUBTS

iv - THE FORGIVING

v - THE PROVING OF WORTH

vi - THE ADMONISHMENT OF THE QUEEN

viI - THE RATIONALIZATION

viii - THE CONVINCING OF CLOTALDO

ix - THE PLEA FOR HELP

x - THE PARTING OF WAYS

xi - THE DEFIANCE OF DEATH

xii - THE DEATH OF CLARÍN

xiii - THE MAKING OF A RULER

xiv - THE FORGIVENESS

xv - NOW WHAT
CAST & AUDIENCE: THAT'S LIFE

THE CHARACTERS

Click to read more about them

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Estrella
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THE CAST

in order of appearance

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KEVIN R LEONARD

ASTOLFO

This is Kevin's fourth performance with 11 Minutes Theatre. Previous productions include The Pillowman, Dancing At Lughnasa, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well. Some other stage credits include Sordid Lives, Second Weekend in September, An Evening With Mr. Johnson, Here Be Dragons, Southern Baptist Sissies, and Jeffrey, in which he both directed and acted. His most treasured role was a three-year run in California as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. When not on stage, he is a producer and co-host with Janine and Alesha on the podcast 11 Minutes Now. "To Roy, I love you so much! Thank you for always supporting me and honoring me and birthing our sons. (Watch this show, you'll get it.) My fellow cast: We finally made it. We have created what I think is a really unique piece of art. We have workshopped and developed this thing for three years and I'm so excited to present it. Thank you LIAD family!"

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VERONICA STRAIGHT-LINGO

ROSAURA

Veronica Straight-Lingo is an actor, director, improviser, radio producer, and all-around recovering mole person in the Denver / Boulder area. As an actor, she was a featured cast member in the 10-year-running show Night of the Living Dead Live! at the Bug Theatre, as well as featured roles at Vintage Theatre, Longmont Theatre Company, the BiTSY Stage, BETC, and more. During the pandemic, she developed the 8-episode audio theatre feature Project Outbreak with Pandemic Collective as well as innovative theatrical works with Theater 29. Her directing credits include Invaders from Planet 9 (Arts in the Open), Richard III (Lost & Found Theatre), and most recently Eleemosynary (Coal Creek Theater of Louisville). Her weekly show, Metro Arts, can be heard on KGNU 88.5 FM / 1390 AM on Fridays at 3 PM. This is Veronica's first performance with 11 Minutes Theatre, and we are so very happy she is with us.

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JEFF BONTRAGER

CLOTALDO

This is Jeff's second performance with 11 Minutes Theatre, debuting as Andrew in Love Letters. A Denver native, Jeff has acted in many local productions, including those from Papercat Productions and Spotlight Theatre. In his off-stage life, Jeff works as Director of Research and Evaluation at the Colorado Health Institute, serves on the board of Project Angel Heart, and designs weird neckties. Jeff is honored to join the talented cast of Life Is a Dream. "Thanks to Janine for her vision and taking a chance on me. Special shout-out to my family, and to Robin and Walter for enduring weeks of line memorization as a grumpy old man."

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ALESHA MACHUCHA

ESTRELLA

"Honored is an understatement and playing onstage with 11 Minutes Theatre company has been a magical / vital experience in a dark time." This is Alesha's first performance with 11 Minutes Theatre. She is so talented and fits in so well with this troupe, it seems like she's been with us from the start. Some other credits include Coal Creek Theatre's The Importance of Being Earnest as Gwendolyn Fairfax and Lady Caroline Bramble in Enchanted April. When not onstage, she plays bartender / co-host with Janine and Kevin on the 11 Minutes Now podcast. "A huge thank you to my friends, family, and the players in 11 Minutes. Thank you for your support, love, kindness, and patience. Finally, thank you patrons for taking the time to support local theatre! Tonight, and always... for Lauren."

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MARGARET AMATEIS CASART

QUEEN BASILIA

Margaret is honored to be a part of this generous and talented cast. "They rock & rule!" We have seen her extraordinary talents throughout the theatre community, as well as hearing her thoughtful insights on the 11 Minutes Now podcast. Margaret returns to 11 Minutes Theatre for an astounding sixth performance. Her previous shows include Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well, Dancing at Lughnasa, Life x 3, Fuenteovejuna, and The House of Bernarda Alba. Other favorite acting credits include Elizabeth I in Elizabeth Rex, Angels in America, Kindertransport, Richard III, Reading the Mind of God, A Delicate Balance, and Othello. "Thank you for supporting live theatre!"

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JANINE ANN KEHLENBACH

SEGISMUNDO

My first attempt at directing came when I was 7 years old, as I adapted a story at Christmas time and forced my cousins and brother to be part of the production. In the following years, I convinced my elementary school teachers to let me, instead of writing book reports, turn them into little plays that I then coerced my classmates to perform in. On a serious note, I feel very lucky because through the support of my parents and friends I have been able to continue my childhood dream. During the day I am a Spanish teacher, and I love to travel, entertain, and dance for fun. Some of my favorite plays that I have directed are La Casa de Bernarda Alba, La noche de asesinos, The Pillowman, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. This is the second Spanish Golden Age play that I have directed. I feel fortunate beyond words to be working with this amazing group of talented people. Life is a coloring book, and the amount of color and grace that you all have given my book is wondrous. Os quiero un montón. 

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PATRICK BROWNSON

CLARÍN

Patrick is so happy to be able to finally share this show with you after 11 Minutes has been living with it for so long (and he will not thank the 'rona for that!). He is a graduate of Metro State Denver with a BA in Theatre. This will be Patrick's third performance with 11 Minutes Theatre, with his previous credits being The Pillowman and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well. Other stage credits include The Noteworthy Life of Howard BarnesCompanyAnything GoesDisaster! The Musical, and The Normal Heart, as well as multiple productions of and characters in Avenue Q and Reefer Madness among many others. In 2022, he'll have the pleasure of working on two more shows with 11 Minutes Theatre, directing Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in the spring, then playing the deliciously wicked Salieri in Amadeus in the fall. He extends much thanks and love to family and friends, and to YOU for supporting live theatre!

THE CREW

JANINE ANN KEHLENBACH

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Director

My first attempt at directing came when I was 7 years old, as I adapted a story at Christmas time and forced my cousins and brother to be part of the production. In the following years, I convinced my elementary school teachers to let me, instead of writing book reports, turn them into little plays that I then coerced my classmates to perform in. On a serious note, I feel very lucky because through the support of my parents and friends I have been able to continue my childhood dream. During the day I am a Spanish teacher, and I love to travel, entertain, and dance for fun. Some of my favorite plays that I have directed are La Casa de Bernarda Alba, La noche de asesinos, The Pillowman, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. This is the second Spanish Golden Age play that I have directed. I feel fortunate beyond words to be working with this amazing group of talented people. Life is a coloring book, and the amount of color and grace that you all have given my book is wondrous. Os quiero un montón. 

TERENCE KEANE

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Assistant Director

Terence is delighted to collaborate with this terrific team and to act as J9’s assistant director for the second time. He received his BFA from Boston University and served on the staff of three California theaters before coming to Colorado. Locally he’s worked with BETC, Coal Creek Theater of Louisville, Theater Company of Lafayette, Upstart Crow, and the Peanut Butter Players, where he was upstaged in two different shows by his own kids. To stay sane during the pandemic, he organized more than 30 play readings on Zoom — and also premiered The Socially Distanced Backyard Solstice Play for a sold-out crowd of four people. 11 Minutes is proud to have him!

BETH DAVIS

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Stage Manager

This is Beth's first production with 11 Minutes Theatre. Beth is excited to work with this fantastic cast and crew. She is wearing many hats during this run, and we couldn't be happier she is our stage manager. She is our props master, our lighting and sound operator, and just an all around do-anything kinda girl. "You rock, Beth!" She is happy to be in the booth doing tech, but has also been seen treading the boards at the Theater Company of Lafayette. "Thanks to Janine for bringing me into a dream experience."

KEVIN R LEONARD

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Technical Director

Kevin has extensive experience both on, in front of, and behind the stage. He is so proud to not only be an 11 Minutes Theatre troupe member, but to be 11 Minutes' Technical Director as well as Janine's right-hand man when it comes to the technical and structural needs of her shows. "She inspires me and makes me be creative. I love that!" He has designed and constructed / built many sets (with the help of his husband Roy Semerdjian) and loves the technical aspect of putting shows together. "Janine gave me many challenges with this show both from a technical construction perspective (albeit modest in nature) to developing the sounds, managing the choreography, the soundtrack, the licenses, and the equipment needed to pull it all together. The girl makes me work for it. But I love that."

ALESHA MACHUCHA

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Costumes

"Honored is an understatement and playing onstage with 11 Minutes Theatre company has been a magical / vital experience in a dark time." This is Alesha's first performance with 11 Minutes Theatre. She is so talented and fits in so well with this troupe, it seems like she's been with us from the start. Some other credits include Coal Creek Theatre's The Importance of Being Earnest as Gwendolyn Fairfax and Lady Caroline Bramble in Enchanted April. When not onstage, she plays bartender / co-host with Janine and Kevin on the 11 Minutes Now podcast. "A huge thank you to my friends, family, and the players in 11 Minutes. Thank you for your support, love, kindness, and patience. Finally, thank you patrons for taking the time to support local theatre! Tonight, and always... for Lauren."

Beautiful old theatre

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

During the 17th century, as Spain was declining as a world power, its art, literature and architecture were blossoming. Spanish Golden Age (SGA) is the term used to refer to this artistic flourishing. It is rumored, and even made an episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, that one of the SGA’s most prolific playwrights, Lope de Vega, was a rival of Shakespeare. There were several prominent SGA playwrights, and Calderón de la Barca wrote what many consider his most famous play, La Vida es Sueño or Life is a Dream, in 1635. 

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I was drawn to SGA theatre during my graduate studies, and I wrote my doctoral thesis on the subject as it is performed for modern-day audiences. SGA drama has often been seen through a minimal two-dimensional lens as compared to the psychological insights seen in Shakespeare’s plays. But I have tried to challenge this limited view, and I believe that La vida es sueño forces us to look at the idea of a “do-over,” so to speak. As humans, we still maneuver our relationships through emotions and beliefs. The idea of power and fame play greatly in our personal and professional journeys. To say that the characters in this play are so far removed from modern-day politics and life would be errant. Life is confusing and we struggle to make sense of all that we see and experience.  

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I had the privilege to work with a professor, Dr. John Slater, Associate Professor of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Colorado State University, and he said this about the play: "I think that La vida es sueño could be described in lots of ways, depending a bit on your production. It's partly about how parents are unable to really know their children, and how those children (Segismundo and Rosaura) struggle to come into their own as adults. It's also about the very slender line that separates despotism from justice. It's about our failures to imagine what the future might actually be like, and how that lack of imagination (especially Basilia's) impoverishes our present. It's about a woman who again and again reimagines herself in an attempt to take control of her life, but ultimately finds out that she can't have it all (even when everyone around her thinks she does). And it's of course about how we can know what's true, whether or not we can separate fake news from facts, and how that inability to distinguish between lies and reality dictates the way we live and makes us vulnerable to those who craft the lies."

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While translating and adapting this play, I took several liberties, as you will see. If you would like to know more about the differences between our production and the original, our process, and the development of this production, please listen to our podcasts. Part of our mission at 11 Minutes will be to continue presenting plays from the Spanish Golden Age. Please join us on our journey. We hope to take this production to Spain next summer for the Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival.  

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Our podcast 11 Minutes Now is available on our website 11minutestheatre.com or streaming from any of the major podcast platforms.

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Thank you for being here with us as we continue to delve into the process of human connection and storytelling! 

RUN DATES
Fort St.John

MONDAY

NOVEMBER 15

INDUSTRY NIGHT - 7:30PM - THE BUG THEATRE

In Royal Dress

THURSDAY

NOVEMBER 4, 11

7:30PM - THE BUG THEATRE

Castle

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19

7:30PM - THE BUG THEATRE

City Square

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 6, 13, 20

7:30PM - THE BUG THEATRE

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