“Some of the most innovative and exciting work comes from ensemble. This is a chance to develop the field of ensemble theater. This festival brings together ensemble as a community.”

Angie Kim, Director of Programs, Arts & Conservation, Flintridge Foundation

An Evolution of Aesthetics

Dell’Arte hosts the National Ensemble Theater Festival, June 2005
“Six days, 14 companies, 28 events”

Meghan Vogel

As the early afternoon sun dappled the redwood forest floor, a group of white-shrouded, combat booted figures silently glided among ancient stumps and tangled branches. Dell’Arte co-founder Michael Fields, in the guise of Satan, wore a gigantic snake-like wig as he stood akimbo and stared down his cohorts.

As wandering forest hikers turned-curious-onlookers stopped and stared, they were treated to a surreal scene as the Dell’Arte Company rehearsed “Paradise Lost: Sacred Land,” an adaption of Milton’s famous poem. The performance, located in Arcata’s Redwood Park, would serve as the perfect introduction to Humboldt County for visitors, a slew of which Dell’Arte was hosting that week. National Ensemble Theater Festival. The weeklong event incorporated performances from companies across North America as well as lectures, discussions, workshops and lab presentations. more>>