Spring 2024 Residency at the Movement Lab at Barnard College

HOUSE OF AMERICAN ACTIVITIES

HOUSE OF AMERICAN ACTIVITIES is an original dance-theater production about the fears, divisions, and nascent uprising shaping the lives of Americans during the 1950s Red Scare. As government officials, Hollywood stars, and powerless Americans grasp for an alternative ending to a story on repeat, who will survive and who will be left behind?

Created by the after-image and a team of devisors, this 80-minute production envisions a fictional world in which legendary activist and celebrity Paul Robeson and Hollywood star Judy Holliday prepare to face off against the House Un-American Activities Committee. As they negotiate with Congressional staff and ordinary people behind closed doors, everyone’s agendas and hopes slam up against one another, but in this culture of fear, not everyone will come out on top. LEARN MORE

the after-image

the after-image develops original theatrical productions collectively, guided by the voices of each contributing artist.

the after-image fuses the instruments of theater, movement, audience interaction, and design to welcome what might be possible in solidarity.

the after-image cultivates relationships of trust, reciprocity, and joy to make the art we need now.

Excerpt from HOUSE OF AMERICAN ACTIVITIES // videography by Carlos Cardona & editing by Cayla Mae Simpson

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the after-image is fiscally sponsored through Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts service organization. Your 100% tax deductible donation sustains artist pay, rehearsal space, and performance costs. Learn more.