Paulsen's Lonely Banquet' at the HERE Arts Center

Seattle performance artist John Paulsen makes his New York debut with Paulsen's Lonely Banquet, an evening of solo works, opening at the HERE Arts Center on the 30 Nov 2005, following previews from the 25 Nov and running through to the 17 Dec 2005.

This evening of clowning, movement and monologues presents a series of characters who are united by an existential loneliness. Paulsen's Lonely Banquet features two solo works, 'Doolymoog' and 'The Tangle.' The evening is directed by George L. Lewis.

'Doolymoog' explores landscapes of our isolated hearts, from prehistory to the post apocalypse, presenting characters with quiet and yearning voices. Mr. Paulson inhabits a variety of unusual characters who challenge us to consider the humanity of those who are commonly overlooked.

In 'The Tangle,' a cross-country bus ride turns into a classic western shoot-out. Joined by Butch Cassidy, a Greyhound passenger battles members of an organization known only as "the controllers." Along the way the passenger relays to us his theory of modern psychology.

Paulsen's approach to solo theatre is not to stand and tell stories about himself, but to engage the audience through exciting physicality, imaginative use of props and space, and an ever-surprising change of location, story and character. His solo work combines elements of dance, characterization, story telling, and clowning, together with a sheer imaginative whimsy, fashioning his own brand of physical theatre.

There will be talkbacks with John Paulsen following the preview performances fron the 25 - 28 Nov2005.