A Monster Tragedy

Hello, fellow artists and collaborators!

Meat Machine is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for an upcoming experimental theater project – an absurdist adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s Lulu Plays, re-imagined through a revisionist lens. This is an original piece written by Ramona Rotten, incorporating a blend of experimental movement, stage combat, and live sound.

Description:

This intense, surreal play delves into the complex dynamics of identity, power, and objectification through the interactions of Lulu and the Man. Manipulative and obsessed with controlling Lulu, the Man treats her as a mere object of desire, while Lulu struggles to assert her agency and sense of self. As their relationship swings between submission, defiance, and violence, the play critiques societal norms surrounding gender, objectification, and the distortion of human connection. A psychological exploration of power and exploitation, it exposes the tragic and dehumanizing effects of control, questioning the authenticity of love, art, and identity.

This work is a raw, femme-focused horror experience that grapples with heavy themes of abuse, murder, and survival. It’s hyper-violent and surreal, and inspired by mythological tales like those of Sisyphus, Pandora, and Prometheus. Picture a fusion of these ancient legends with the dark, visceral energy of Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof – a disturbing exploration of violence, power, and resistance.

Here's what I'm looking for:

Here's what we are looking for:

Actors:

• Lulu: Femme, 20s-40s, any race/ethnicity. This role is especially physically challenging, requiring an actor ready to take on the physicality of movement and stage combat (although prior experience is not necessary).
• Man: Masc, 20s-50s, any race/ethnicity. A physically and emotionally demanding role.
  

Creative Team: Note: You are welcome to apply to multiple positions.

• Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Seeking a multi-talented individual who can help shape the vision of this piece and assist with organization and communication during rehearsals and performances.
• Fight/Intimacy Director: This position can be applied for individually or together. We're looking for someone skilled in creating safe, dynamic, and compelling stage combat and intimacy choreography to heighten the tension and power of the piece. The goal of the violence is to be both absurd and hyper-violent.
  
• Choreographer/Movement Director: We’re inspired by the work of Pina Bausch and the films of Yorgos Lanthimos. Looking for someone who can create evocative, emotionally charged movement sequences that complement the absurdist tone of the play.
• Sound Artist: This production will feature experimental, (and hopefully) live sound elements. If you are a noise artist, sound designer, or experimental musician, we would love to hear from you.
  

LGBTQIA and BIPOC and Femme collaborators highly encouraged to apply

Audition Deadline: 02/13
Notification Deadline: 02/20
Rehearsal Dates: Anticipated start first week of March. 2-4 rehearsals a week, more details to follow.
Performance Dates: 05/02-05/04(with possible extension closing no later than May 15th) in Chicago.
Stipend: 250.00 per collaborator

To submit, please fill out the following form no later than 02/13:

https://forms.gle/ACXfJH9VqQ2W...