The Dome Enters the Theater:
Kepler moves inside Theater Artaud

After the run at Morrison Planetarium, Motion will return to developing the full-length ensemble work with the addition of full dome visuals. The full length, 8-character version of The Kepler Project will have its world premiere at Z Space/Theater Artaud in Summer, 2012. Building on the success of the staged readings in San Francisco, Santa Fe and Sacramento, we will integrate the immersive graphics developed at Morrison Planetarium’s visualization studio as well as add choreographic, lighting and scenic elements into the full length and fully staged production.

In the full length play Ana, a contemporary astrophysicist, encounters professional and personal challenges due to her radical theories about the structure of the universe.  Kepler appears to her as mentor and guide, advising her to go public with her findings despite the risks to her career. If she stays silent, Ana avoids being ostracized, protects her tenure track position and her access go grants. But if she finds the courage to go public, she may catalyze a revolution  which imagines the universe as interconnected and interrelated – a shift in paradigm that expands our view of ourselves as humans and may provide us the insights needed to solve our greatest problems in sustaining a global community. 

Founded in 1993, Z Space has become one of the nation’s leading laboratories for the development of new voices, new works, and new opportunities in American theater.  Z Space was created by visionary founder David Dower to support a large and evolving community of theater artists working together to develop Bay Area theater and theater audiences.  

Z Space has been recognized with many local awards as well as such national awards as the Helen Hayes Award, the Kesselring Prize, the MacArthur Award, and two Pulitzer nominations.   In July 2009, Z Space moved into the historic Theater Artaud and now manages all programming in the 13,000 square foot converted industrial facility.  Over the last year, Z Space has invested heavily in refurbishing the venue and modernizing the theatrical lighting, sound & video equipment, stage floor, and dressing rooms.   

High ceilings, unobstructed space and seating provide the perfect architectural conditions for moving a dome into the theater.  Combined with Artistic Director Lisa Steindler’s interest in developing cutting edge new work and Technical Director David Szlasa’s passion for exploring art and technology, Motion has found the ideal team members to realize the full length, 8 actor version of The Kepler Project.