Pillar of Fire
by La Fenice
Aug. 29 - Sep. 06
Set in a dystopian future where books have been outlawed and the dead are systematically erased, "Pillar of Fire" follows the last remaining vampire as he struggles against a society that has abolished all forms of fantasy and supernatural thought. The play's themes of artistic expression under oppression make it particularly relevant for young artists developing their own creative voices. "Pillar of Fire," one of Bradbury's lesser-known dramatic works, explores themes of censorship, conformity, and the power of imagination – subjects that resonate powerfully with today's young audiences.
Director: Sharky Meehan
La Fenice Theatre Company's youth program, The Spark, will present Ray Bradbury's rarely produced "Pillar of Fire" from August 29 through September 6 at the Vortex. This production represents the culmination of a year-longeducational initiative that empowers teenagers to experience every facet of professional theatre production, from play selection and contract negotiation to performance.
Unlike traditional youth theatre programs that focus primarily on performance, The Spark also provides comprehensive training in the business and creative sides of theatrical production. Participants gain hands-on experience in play selection, contract negotiation, budgeting, grant writing, design, direction, and performance – skills that prepare them for careers in the arts or valuable experience in project management and creative problem-solving. Additionally, Spark teens have participated in conservatory-style masterclasses alongside La Fenice company members all year, digging into commedia dell’arte, mask, physical theatre and stage combat training.
The selection of Bradbury's "Pillar of Fire" demonstrates the program's commitment to challenging material and professional standards. The teens not only chose this sophisticated science fiction work but also successfully negotiated royalty agreements directly with the Bradbury estate – a complex process that gave them real-world experience in intellectual property and contract law.
“Spark exists to give a stage for loud mouthed queer teens to make cool shit,” says director and Spark founder Sharky Meehan, a junior at Austin High School. “We’ve all had opportunities to be on stage, but not to have control over the stories we were telling and how we wanted to tell them. Spark lets us create work that vents our frustration with the world we’re being left without apology and without it being filtered by the adults in charge.”
"The Spark program proves our belief that young people are capable of far more than they're often given credit for," said La Fenice president Adam Rodriguez. "By involving them in every aspect of production, we're not just teaching theatre – we're teaching critical thinking, negotiation skills, financial literacy, and creative leadership and autonomy."
The Spark program represents La Fenice's commitment to nurturing the next generation of Austin theatre artists and arts administrators. By providing teenagers with comprehensive production experience, the program addresses the critical need for skilled arts professionals while empowering young people to see themselves as capable creators and leaders.
About La Fenice Theatre Company La Fenice Theatre Company is an Austin-based theatre ensemble specializing in Commedia dell'Arte, committed to innovative programming and comprehensive arts education for all ages. www.lafeniceaustin.org
About The Spark Program The Spark is La Fenice's youth program that provides teenagers with real-world experience in all aspects of theatre production, from business management to creative execution.
Spark designers meet at the Vortex to discuss their work. L-R around the circle, Aiden Minor (fight choreographer), Luka McConnell (sound design), Alix Henry (costume design), Ace Curry (Stage Manager), Sharky Meehan (director), Emil Hall (set design), Vian Lambert (marketing and live cello), Callum Thomas (lighting design). Photo credit La Fenice.
Pillar of Fire
by Ray Bradbury, interpreted by Spark ensemble
La Fenice
August 29 - September 6
The Vortex
Tickets: www.vortexrep.org
