Astarte’s Scream

Astarte’s Scream is an evening of improvisational theatre and performance devoted to building unity and understanding about and among Middle Eastern cultures. Relying on full audience participation, the evening encourages people to consider that conflict is a failure of creativity, and that creativity is a far more effective tool for solving differences than brute force, manipulation, stereotyping, or taking sides. The improvisational theatre games use a character set limited to Near Eastern gods, goddesses, humans and other entities to facilitate empathy for “The Other” through embodiment and characterization. In this way the production seeks to challenge patterns of dualistic thinking – exacerbated by patriarchal, militaristic social structures – that have thrown oil onto fires of mutual distrust. Audience members are encouraged to bring Middle Eastern musical instruments, poems and monologues to share with each other after the improv portion of the program is completed. All ages are welcome and no prior acting experience or historical knowledge is necessary. Space is limited, and seating is first come, first serve.

Astarte’s Scream is produced by local artist Casondra Sobieralski, who holds a BA in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in Conceptual and Information Arts from San Francisco State University. Ms. Sobieralski’s work explores non-linear narrative and spatiality of storytelling. She has shown work throughout Western Pennsylvania and at the Bing Gallery in Oakland, StartSOMA Gallery in San Francisco, the Berkeley Art Center, and the San Francisco State University Gallery. She also does site specific work outside the gallery system.