News Summary
Jobsite Theater in Tampa opens its minimalistic production of Federico Garcia Lorca’s ‘The Butterfly’s Evil Spell’ tonight at the Shimberg Playhouse. Directed by David M. Jenkins and featuring innovative puppets designed by Spencer Meyers, this adaptation highlights themes of beauty and desire. The 75-minute performance includes live music by Jeremy Douglass and contributions from a talented design team. Running until June 1, tickets start at $42 for this captivating theatrical experience.
Tampa, Florida – Jobsite Theater presents a minimalistic interpretation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s “The Butterfly’s Evil Spell,” opening tonight at the Shimberg Playhouse within the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. This production is an English translation of Garcia Lorca’s first theatrical work, originally titled “El maleficio de la mariposa.”
The show is directed by David M. Jenkins, the artistic director of Jobsite Theater, and features a cast of six actors who embody various insects in a vibrant meadow setting. The performances are enhanced by the use of hand puppets, designed to convey Garcia Lorca’s rich poetic language. Creative input comes from Spencer Meyers, a longtime associate of Jobsite Theater, who, while not appearing on stage, played a key role in the production’s design with a focus on aesthetics and the immersive feel of the showing. Meyers specifically created unique, futuristic-looking bug puppets that add an innovative flair to the performance.
Accompanying the visual elements is music composed and performed live by Jeremy Douglass from the side of the stage, adding a dynamic auditory layer to the audience experience. The production also showcases the talents of Chris Guiffre as the set designer, Alexander Jones as the choreographer, and Jo Averill-Snell as the lighting designer. Costumes have been crafted by Katrina Stevenson, who furthermore takes on the role of the titular butterfly character.
This production represents a collective creative effort, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The core team has developed the show democratically, exchanging ideas through nightly workshops, resulting in a highly original adaptation of Lorca’s work. The performance encompasses themes of beauty and desire, integrating elements of symbolist comedy to explore its deeper meanings.
The show runs for approximately 75 minutes and does not include an intermission. It will be featured as part of Jobsite Theater’s current season, alongside other productions such as “POTUS,” “Macbeth,” “The Pillowman,” and “Gorey Stories.” Standard performances are scheduled for Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, running from May 9 through June 1.
Tickets for the performance start at $42 and can be purchased through the Straz Center’s website. “The Butterfly’s Evil Spell” invites audiences to delve into a world where artistic expression meets the enchanting narratives of Lorca, offering a captivating experience for both new and familiar audiences alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa Bay Theatrical Adaptation of ‘The Butterfly’s Evil Spell’
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Arts Alive Podcast – Creating Jobsite’s Butterfly
- TBN Weekly: Diversions Article
- The Gabber: Gulfport’s 10th Annual Fine Arts Festival
- St. Pete Catalyst: Looking Forward – The Month of May in the Arts
- Vogue: Butterfly McQueen Paved the Way
- Wikipedia: Federico García Lorca
- Google Search: The Butterfly’s Evil Spell
- Google Scholar: Federico García Lorca
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Butterfly’s Evil Spell
- Google News: Jobsite Theater
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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