THE REAL WORK

A play by Merkel,

workshop produced by Ásta Bennie Hostetter and Merkel

The saga of a pseudo-intellectual self-help group, The Real Work spans four years in four acts – all set at the organization’s annual retreat in a location “beautiful enough to discourage dissent.”
Preoccupied with the linguistic patterns of “high control groups” (aka cults), and unfolding against a backdrop of interpersonal drama, the play tracks how six individuals’ sincere quest for community, ritual and meaning-making necessarily transforms into an exploitative multi-level marketing scheme under the conditions of late-stage capitalism.

The Play

“The Real Work” play in 4 acts running approx (120 minute) Available for download here.

“The Amuse Bouche of the Real Work” available here

Artists

Merkel Writer and Performer

Ásta Bennie Hostetter Director

with:

workshop goals:

A week of rehearsal to enjoy working as an actor/writer and director together with an ensemble. To discover what’s juicy about exploring power through comedy.

showing:

Sunday July 17 3:00
Lenore Doxsee Theater in Sunset Park Target Margin Theater

We were grateful to rent space at a subsidized rate with TMT for this workshop period.
Merkel and Ásta split the cost of rehearsal

Your donation here to Merkel’s Venmo (@SallieMerkel ) will offset the cost.

We would appreciate it.

Seeking

Producing / financial commitment from a company for a future production.
Producers interested in imaginative ensemble
Greater conversation around—- high control groups, theater, power and ensemble owned theater.
Introducing our community to all the generous artists involved in this work !

also open to:

Unconventional locations (swimming pools, yoga studios, community centers…)
Future development residencies for ensemble.

History

January 2021: The Real Work originated during a Stillwright silent residency (virtual) with Erik Ehn
January 2022: The Real Work developed in a script workshop with Sibyl Kempson
June 2022: first table read, hosted by Caitlin Ryan O’Connell
December 2022: The Hearth residency three-day, twelve-hour workshop

The Real Work has been supported in the past with contributions from :

Emily Barkovic, Kirsten Harvey, Emily Jackson, Marianna McClellan, Brendan McGowan, Gilbert Molina, Ezra Rose

photography credits: Henry Hoke, Avery Reed, Cathy de la Cruz

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