PERFORMANCES 2006
Ko celebrates its 15th Anniversary by bringing back
artists from the first 14 years to show their latest work
BOX OFFICE OPENS July 10
(413) 542-2277
FRIDAY, July 14 at 8 p.m.
VALENTYNE AND ORSON
Ralph Lee's Mettawee River Company of New York
A visit from our annual favorites with their new production which is based on a sprawling medieval French folk tale. This show will incorporate live music and a variety of masks, large and small puppets and other strong visual elements, in a response to the pageantry of court, castles and dark forests conjured up in the medieval imagination. Ralph Lee will designs and directs, with costumes by Casey Compton.
An all-ages event, outdoors on the Amherst College Observatory Lawn off of Snell Street. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and insect repel
The production will be ASL Interpreted by Joan Wattman. 
SATURDAY, JULY 15 at 8 p.m.
Special Anniversary Gala
THE KO KABARET
In an echo of The Ko Show that closed our first season 15 years ago, the Ko Festival welcomes back a surprise roster of artists from the first fourteen years in a special anniversary gala cabaret, performed in a stunning environment designed by members of Boston's TENT Collective.
SUNDAY, JULY 16 at 8 p.m.
HOUSE/BOY
Conceived and performed by Nicky Paraiso of NYC
Directed by Ralph Peña, Artistic Director of Ma-Yi Theater of NYC
Direct from La MaMa in NYC and Mexico City's International Cabaret Festival, Nicky Paraiso's third autobiographical evening-length solo work (ASIAN BOYS appeared in the 1994 Ko Festival) dealing with identity, sexuality and the enduring theme of what "home" means to Filipino Americans.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, JULY 21-23 at 8 p.m.
N (Bonaparte)
By Laura Harrington of Cambridge, MA
Performed by Pilgrim Theatre of Ashfield, MA
Exiled to an island on the edge of nowhere. Plagued by Rats. Haunted by Joan of Arc. Seduced by fame. One small politician prepares to conquer the world.
A contemporary theatrical confrontation with our lust for power, with Ko Festival favorite, Kermit Dunkelberg, as the Little Emperor.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 28 - 30 at 8 p.m.
VERONICA'S FOLD: Take 1
by Wendy Woodson of Amherst, MA and Present Company
Wendy Woodson & Present Company Inc. brings its innovative and provocative multi-media work to the Ko Festival in an evening of new and recent work. Featured in the program is Veronica's Fold: Take 1 a video and performance piece featuring 5 characters lost and found in an off kilter world of missed connections, disputed recollections and unexpected acts of compassion. Joining Woodson are New York and Western Mass artists Peter Schmitz, Marina Libel, Lisa Biggs, Candice Salyers and James Emery. Kathy Couch is set and lighting designer.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 4-6 at 8 p.m.
A COMIC STRIP
Touchstone Theatre of Bethlehem, PA
Directed by Daniel Stein of the Dell'Arte Company of Blue Lake, CA
In Touchstone's brand-new, dark and funny work, the life of a seasoned, successful, and world famous comic-strip artist begins to violently unravel. How can art possibly inspire change in a world so filled with very real suffering? He almost gives up, until his favorite comic strip characters manifest before his eyes and lead him on a life-changing journey.WARNING: Viewer Discretion Advised! This piece contains adult themes, graphic language, strong sexual content, the devil himself, and a healthy dose of broccoli! Think Looney Tunes meets David Lynch. So keep the kids with a babysitter.
All performances EXCEPT the outdoor Mettawee production
VALENTYNE AND ORSON will be held in
Amherst College's Holden Theater.Driving directions to Amherst College
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