Audience joins the fun at 'Rumplestiltskin'

By Karel Ancona-Henry

For the Nevada Appeal

Brewery Arts Center presents a performance of The Brüka Theatre's adaptation of "Rumplestiltskin" Saturday as part of the "Cultures of Nevada," matinee series.

There will be two performances, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Brüka Theatre of Reno has presented and toured its adapted versions of stories by the Brothers Grimm the last two years, said Mary Bennett, producer and artistic director.

"We toured 'Rapunzel' last year and it is available for touring now, but most of the requests have been for 'Rumplestiltskin,'" she said.

In the course of a season, Brüka will take the show to about 25 schools and give an additional six or seven public performances.

"We have seen such a decline in arts in the schools, and we try to fuse the community with the arts, by going into the schools," Bennett said. "When I was a child, I loved when we had theater performances brought in, because it showed me what else was possible and let me know that I could do anything I decided."

Bennett will present with Adama Whitney, whose areas of expertise lie primarily in improv and dance, respectively.

As performers, they are both involved in many areas of the arts. Whitney was recently cast as the dad in "Hairspray," to be staged at the Eldorado. They both are artists in residence in area schools, through a number of arts organizations.

Brüka has had a Children's Theatre since its inception in 1999, with members bringing with them a variety of disciplines and experiences.

"We have such an awesome group at Brüka and have all worked together many, many years," Bennett said. "We honor each other and come from a lot of places and experiences that enhances what we do and we learn from each other."

Brüka keeps its show small, both to accommodate its theater space in Reno, but also to make it easy to tour.

"Rumplestiltskin" has been adapted to fit a more modern story line, incorporating real-time television show references and language while remaining true to the lesson.

"Grimms' stories have lessons that are still relevant and we adapt the writing so they're tongue-in-cheek and layered, so that adults can enjoy it, too," Bennett said.

Five parts of the show are improv, so performances are ever-changing. The show also incorporates audience input, making this a truly interactive, one-of-a-kind experience.

Both performances are in the Maizie Harris Jesse Theatre at BAC, 449 W. King St., Carson City.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission, $7 for students and seniors and $5 for BAC members.

BAC is offering special two-for-one tickets for matinee patrons. Buy one ticket, get the second free or buy one ticket and receive another free for use at an upcoming matinee program. This offer is not available on-line. Call 775-883-1976, ext. 114, or e-mail tami@breweryarts

.org to take advantage of the offer.

All other tickets can be purchased on the Web at breweryarts.org. Tickets can be picked up at Will Call.

To learn more about Brüka Theatre and its performances, visit Brüka.org or call 775-323-3221.