Emma is back in DC from her physical theater workshop in Paris with the company Pas de Dieux.
Her local upcoming performances include:
Sidwell Friends alumni Variety Show January 28th.
The Sweater Set Valentine’s Day show on February 14th. Details forthcoming.
Clara in New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Theater J February 29-April 1
Ophelia in Faction of Fools’ Hamlecchino April 26-May 19
For the fall of 2011 I will be back in Paris participating in a workshop with the theater company Pas de Dieux. I will be one of 15 participants coming from around the world to work together, exchange ideas and develop new ones under the guidance of Pas de Dieux’s artistic director Leela Alaniz. When I have photos and stories to share I will post them on my travel blog Joie de Vivre (because, my, what a joy). I am very excited for this indulgent time of study and growth and look forward to sharing and showing what I learn upon my return to DC in December.
By Constellation Theatre Co. Runs May 7- June 4th at The Source Theater
A fantastical commedia-inspired fairy tale romp. Check out the reviews and related articles:
DC Theatre Scene “There is so much to see in this play, whether or not you buy into its moral absolutes (which are on the whole so skillfully portrayed, gorgeously costumed and either hilariously exaggerated or simply stated, you give the playwright a pass) that this writer found herself happily going along for the full ride, content for two plusf hours — which positively fly by — to be transported into its magical realm. Each of the performers deserves kudos…”
We Love Arts “The whole ensemble is equally good, from Emma Crane Jaster’s vain but adorable Barbarina, to Misty Demory’s imperious statue queen and her dogged quest for a new nose.”
The Washington Post: Green Bird’s Costume Designer a feather in Constellation’s cap “Even with a bare-bones space, the spectacle extends beyond its costumes, which include outfits with strings of lights sewn into their seams… ‘We have these performers who are wonderful; they are all acrobats, fight choreographers, dancers, people that know how to tumble,’ Rai says… It adds up to a surreal mood and a creative boon for everyone from the actors to the sound team to the designers.”
See photos from the Puppetry Slam at the Puppet Co where Emma most recently performed Solo for Two.
Monday January 10th at 8pm you’ll find me at the Clown Cabaret at Fort Fringe 607 New York Ave NW, DC performing an adapted excerpt from Next Time the Neatline with live music by Matt Pearson.
I am delighted to be a part of the Cambridge Revels this year. Though I miss my beloved Washington Revels community, with whom I grew up, it is a thrill to come to the city that originated this vibrant tradition and to play with them as the timeless fool. This is my second show this season working with my dad Mark Jaster and his wife Sabrina (after a wonderfully successful first run of Cabaret Macabre in October at the Round House Theatre). For this Revels set in England’s Haddon Hall with characters spanning several centuries, dad takes on the role of Manners, the first Duke of Rutland and host of the annual party and Sabrina takes care of everything as the numero uno maid of the mansion. It is always an honor to take part in this long-standing tradition which hearkens to traditions older than itself and celebrates song, dance, camaraderie, laughter, in essence light, in the darkest time of the year.
Trying on the costume…
Check out the review in the Boston Phoenix saying “Emma Jaster would do justice to Feste or Touchstone”
See more photos of the cast, especially this one of me or this one with Mark and Sabrina taken during the run by Arthur Ferguson.
On my way to the New Orleans Fringe Festival with my first solo show Next Time the Neatline created with Matt Pearson under the auspices of the Likely Pear Theatre Company. We had a fabulous showing of it here in DC at the Corner Store. And are looking forward to trying it out on new audiences next weekend (Nov 19-21) at an exciting new Fringe far from home. Wish us luck!
A quick action shot from the performance we did at the Corner Store. Courtesy of Kris Swanson.
Here is fun little video interview I did while at the Fringe for Stage Directions. Check out the videoblog- I show up around minute 17.
See photos from the festival in their Gallery.
Julius Caesar with Taffety Punk Riot Grrrls at CHAW Oct 4-23
Cabaret Macabre with Happenstance Theatre at Round House Silver Spring Oct 29-Nov 7
Next Time the Neatline, the new show I’m developing for the New Orleans Fringe Festival with my Likely Pear (aka Matt Pearson, aka the company we’ve built together)
Tickets and details available through the links provided.
I will be performing! I am currently preparing a short new work on the aerial rope (aka corde lisse, aka spanish web) in collaboration with musician and actor Matt Pearson to be performed as a part of this fabulous festival. The festival takes place in the famous graffiti alley in Baltimore behind the Load of Fun studios. There will be a smattering of exciting new works by artists in the air- trapeze and silk and who knows what, curated and coordinated by Mara Neimaris of In-Flight Theater who will also be performing. Come check us out, it’s sure to be great fun.
July 23 and 24 @ 8pm, July 25 @ 1pm
The Red Balloon just opened at Adventure Theatre this weekend and runs all through May and into June. It is an exquisite ensemble piece in which I have the honor of performing and have also designed the costumes! And it’s at Glen Echo Park which is a beautiful spot to visit this time of year anyway. Directed by Roberta Gasbarre and starring some wonderfully talented young actors with whom I am delighted to be working. If I can get away with it, I may set up my slack wire outside for between and after the shows…
You can get tickets through Adventure Theatre. Or read more about it on the Red Balloon facebook page There are shows truly every day but Mondays and I promise you it’s not just for kids (though they are loving it too and being very vocal about it during the shows so far!)
Read the DC Theatre Scene review (which comments precisely on the scene pictured below!) And other raves linked on Adventure Theatre’s website.
