Songversations is kicking off Women’s History Month by taking on the “wellness” industry which–and this is based on scientific inquiry–sucks so very much. With their unique brand of feminist storytelling and song, Shanan & Rhiannon ask us to consider how diet culture, anti-aging serums and the latest immune-boosting, super endocrine, probiotic smoothie made with lipospheric vitamin B-complex packets and goji berries might not actually have our best interests in mind! These “wellness” cures might just be part of a multi-billion dollar industry that enables a white supremacist structure to thrive! So while we’re counting almonds they are signing legislation that keeps us from owning our own bodies! We know! Pause your Fitbit for the night and join us in the comfort of the BLB for some well-hydrated rage! With music! And nachos!
Tickets are $15
Doors are at 6:30, come eat and drink in the theater before and during the show!
SATURDAY MARCH 4th SHOW ONLY!
Stick around for an additional 30 minutes of conversation and community led by playwright, performer and activist Kymani Queen! We’ve been eager to transform the post-Songversation energy into opportunities for connection with our growing tribe. Join us for what will surely be a lively exchange!
Who are the women behind Songversations?
Shanan Custer, a seasoned player in the Twin Cities theater, sketch and improv scene, has been called a “clever and inventive voice in comic theater” but she would rather you not refer to her as a “comedienne” because that’s such a weird word. Theater artist and musician Rhiannon Fiskradatz, when she's not in the studio recording her first solo ep, can be found performing on stages as an actor or singer-songwriter or costuming shows behind the scenes. After a few Zooms and a whole lotta faith, Shanan & Rhiannon brought their first episode to the BLB stage last February and they are so excited to continue sharing their unique brand of storytelling with a growing audience.
BIOS
Shanan Custer is a theater maker, writer, director and improviser who has worked with the Brave New Workshop, Interact, History Theatre, Theatre Pro Rata, HUGE Improv Theater, Special When Lit, The Mystery Café, Mu Performing Arts, Full Circle Theater, Park Square Theatre and Theater in the Round. Shanan is also an actor with the Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society, which performs monthly at the BLB!
Rhiannon Fiskradatz is a multidisciplinary storyteller with a creative practice that spans theatre, music, puppetry, dance, circus & visual art. She writes & performs her own music as MaMa Faerie and covers a multitude of genres as a vocalist with The Argyle Street Trio & the Riff Rangers. In her capacity as a costume & accessory designer, she has worked with more than fifty professional, amateur and educational organizations. She has an Upper Midwest Emmy, has been featured in Beadwork magazine and was awarded the "Spirit Of Powderhorn" at the Powderhorn Art Fair. She is currently working on an ep of original music.
*SPECIAL GUEST*
Kymani Kahlil(She/Theirs/Viewers Choice) is a Twin-Cities based generative performing artist, storyteller, singer, dancer and musician. She has spent over a decade honing her skills as a generative artist through her work with Regional Twin Cities Theaters, as well as public schools and programs for young artists, as a director, music director, composer, and choreographer. They have worked with youth artists throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota teaching residencies and leading workshops in music and theater creation. Her most recent work as an artist and contributor has appeared with Wayward Theater's "Mixtape: Behind the Mask" storytelling series, "ReMembering: Singing Water" with One Voice Mixed Chorus MN, The Establishment of Genderqueer Sound Culture'' an essay appearing in the American Composers Forum, and Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts "Here. Them. Now." a movement piece exploring the Intersectionality of Queer identities within the Disability Community. Kymani is a recipient of the 2020 Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and is currently developing their one person show “Peaches & Pickles: Perspective Is Suspect”, which explores the intersections of Race, Gender, Spirituality, and Racial Profiling. Kymani believes all areas of the Performing Arts are essential to building community, not only in education or as entertainment, but is important because of its power to engage audiences in social discourse and elevate new and uncommon narratives that can be informative, cathartic and community building.