|
In The Last State Rudinoff
weaves together her personal experiences growing up “haole”
(white) in Hawaii with the pained history of the often-idealized
50th state. Rudinoff comes to OtB on the heels of recent success
and recognition in Seattle, including sold-out performances
of her solo performance, Go There (2003), three acclaimed
performances last season at the Empty Space Theater, and recently
in Smokey Joe’s Café at the 5th Avenue Theater.
She is The Stranger’s 2004 Genius Award Winner for excellence
in theatre.
The Last State marks a departure from Rudinoff’s previous
work as she delves into a more thoughtful exploration of her
subject matter, with a historical perspective on the melancholy
history of the islands, including the 1894 Blount Report concerning
Hawaii’s annexation and the congressional hearings determining
Hawaii’s statehood in the 1950’s. With The Last
State Rudinoff continues to wittily explore her characters
, including playing herself, her Hawaiian manicurist Bambi,
and Hawaii’s last Queen, Liliuokalani.
In the creation process, she has invited a significant group
of established Seattle artists to collaborate with her, including
director Sheila Daniels, choreographer Wade Madsen, lighting
designer Patti West, set designers Susannah Anderson and John
Deshazo, costumer Terry Frank, and an original Hawaiian-inflected
soundscape by musician John Ackermann.
|
