Kyle Loven Isn’t Just A Puppeteer…Check Out “Retraces” This Weekend

You’re strongly encouraged to check out Seattle theater artist Kyle Loven’s new show RETRACES which runs Jan 7 to 10 at 12th Avenue Arts on Capitol Hill.

I strongly implore you to go check out the new theater piece by artist Kyle Loven opening this Thursday for a one weekend run at 12th Avenue Arts.

I haven’t seen it, but….trust me. It should be interesting. Mr. Loven has dazzled us in the past with his mesmerizing pieces that combine…well, just about every theatrical device you can think of. A Kyle Loven “Joint” utilizes puppets, props, costume, sounds, light…pretty much everything except the snacks in the concession stand but now I think about it, I think I’ve seen a Kyle Loven show where he used Raisinettes and Milk Duds as “puppet” characters. That’s the genius and artistry of one of his pieces. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING can be used to propel an interesting and highly visual story.

The new work is “Retraces” and it explores themes dear to Loven’s heart:

Inspired by conspiracy theories and ham radio broadcasts, Retraces follows a skeptical man who works to decode the everyday conspiracies happening around him. Through a combination of projected miniature replicas, live sound, and scenic puppeteering, multiple performers construct his small town environments around him. As the conspiracy unfolds, three manifestations of the man cross paths and overlap in a race to connect the dots. This dark piece blends theater, dance, puppetry, music, and visual art to explore how we as humans and as audience members process information to arrive at our personal beliefs.

Retraces features additional performers, (Ezra Dickinson, Zane Exactly, John Leith, Paurl Walsh, Kaitlin Ziehr) and a very talented team of fellow artists like Amiya Brown doing lighting design and Pete Rush doing the costumes. There’s a pretty winning package of talent involved here.

You have 6 chances to check this out. There is a $5 preview performance this Wednesday, January 6 at 8 pm then regular priced ($20) at 8 pm Thursday night through Saturday night and 2 pm shows on Saturday and Sunday, January 10th. Snatch those tickets HERE!

I really do encourage you to check out this show, especially if you value and appreciate “artier” theater endeavors that aren’t afraid to explore different kinds of theatricality and expression. It’s a terrific way to kick off the New Year and far more intriguing than most of your other options this weekend. Why go see vaguely racist crap like “The Book of Mormon” (and spend $100 a person) when you can see something new and challenging for a lot less? And, without the condescending attitude to native African people…

DO IT!