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The Untime
August 2 – 25
Director's Notes

What is The Untime? It is the space between awareness and action. It is the pause, however brief, where we contemplate how our next choice affects our world. The longer we sit in The Untime, the more responsible we become for what we do next. It is a gift largely forgotten in an isolated existence. It is the magic thrown out to make space for efficiency, urgency, and the relentless march of progress.

But it exists. We know this because, as we watch the world in crisis due to the choices of so few, we feel the presence of something that should lead us towards a different path. It is the whisper of conscience, the tug of empathy, the moment of clarity that reminds us of our shared humanity. In The Untime, we have the opportunity to reconnect with our deepest values, to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, and to choose compassion over indifference, sustainability over exploitation.

In this pause, we can find the strength to challenge injustice, to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to heal the wounds of our fractured world. The Untime is where we reclaim our power as individuals and as a collective, realizing that each decision, no matter how small, ripples outwards, shaping the future. It is a sacred interval where potential blossoms into reality, where hope can transform into tangible change.

We hope, in this room, you hear The Untime screaming to be heard.

Cast

(in alphabetical order)

Calla Hollinsworth
The Heir

Leontyne Mbele-Mbong*
The Spouse

Nick Musleh*
The Artist

MaryAnn Rodgers
The Voice

Steve Price
The King

Michael Torres*
The One


*Member, Actors Equity Association, the professional association of actors and stage managers.

Artistic Team

Director, Writer
Jon Tracy***

Stage Manager
Alejandra Rivas*

Stage Manager Assistant
Kalliope Parish

Set Designer
Randy Wong-Westbrooke

Lighting Designer
David Leonard**

Sound/Projection Designer
Ben Euphrat

Costume Designer
Madeline Berger

Properties Artisan
Rob Dario

Kaleidoscope Dramaturg
Nick Musleh

Fight Director
Dave Maier

Intimacy Director
Cindy Goldfield

Associate Dramaturg
Melina Cohen-Bramwell

Kaleidoscope Team
Aejay Mitchell
Philippa Kelly

Carpenters
Todd Averback
Jason Coale
Mike Cole

Jackson Currier
Bob Currier
Lance O'Dell
Malcolm Rodgers

Electricians
Jackson Currier
Miles Doucette
Peter Parish

Sound / Projection 
Roger Clay 
Travis Thayer

The Setting

The Nation of Caledonia, an Albion Empire Commonwealth

Running Time: 110 minutes with no intermission.

Story of the Play

In the Nation State of Caledonia, a diverse historical and ethnic landscape serves as the backdrop for a unique colonial structure established by the Albion Empire. The Albion Empire implements a complex colonial governance:

At the helm is The Governor-King, an Albion-appointed figurehead tasked with managing the delicate balance of asserting colonial authority while preparing the nation for eventual independence: with the King ruling for a designated period before relinquishing power to a local figure. This strategic move seeks to foster a semblance of legitimacy and continuity within the colonized nation.

Second in line is General Cawdor, a member of one of Caledonia's ethnic minorities, chosen by Albion to ultimately assume leadership. Placed strategically within the military hierarchy, her ascent to power is part of Albion's long-term plan to present an image of inclusivity and genuine local governance.

Third in line is a general, known as "The One." Where Cawdor is branded as an ally to The King and with a noted history of strong leadership that predates her formal relationship with Albion, The One, also an ethnic minority, is brought up early and groomed into a dual role: he has been entrusted with the responsibility to maintain Albion's dominance and suppress any threats to the order, and, as importantly, The One is curated into a sort of populist superstar, ensuring, at least optically, that Caledonia will ultimately be in the hands of “the people” for generations to come.

The One’s very public wedding to his spouse, a celebrated event akin to the grandeur of Charles and Diana's union, stands as one of the great moments in contemporary Caledonian history. Conceived as a unifying spectacle, the event aimed to bring together the diverse communities within Caledonia, presenting an image of solidarity and shared celebration. The Spouse, a figure in her own right, arrived in Caledonia as a teenage refugee from one of the countries entangled in conflicts with Caledonia. Her connection with The One was strategically framed as a symbol of global unity, a carefully crafted narrative meant to bolster Albion's image and further align with the protocols of their colonial governance. Together, The One and The Spouse became the faces of a seemingly harmonious Caledonia under Albion's rule, adding another layer of complexity to the intricate web of power dynamics and political machinations.

Strategically positioned as a vital outpost for Albion, Caledonia plays a crucial role both militarily and economically. Its strategic importance leads to strained relations with neighboring states, further exacerbated by Caledonia's “scorched earth” policies: violent dismantling of their military and economic capabilities, all under the pretext of ensuring safety and stability.

Under the guise of safeguarding their citizens and maintaining regional stability, Caledonia employs sophisticated propaganda and diplomatic maneuvers to vilify neighboring governments. This calculated approach not only justifies aggressive actions but also garners international support from powerful allies sharing Albion's strategic interests.

Over the years, Caledonia evolves into a melting pot, offering refuge to populations displaced by various conflicts under Albion's rule. Despite projecting an image of unity and democracy, Caledonia conceals a stark class system, marked by socio-economic disparities more pronounced than almost anywhere in the world.

In this complex political landscape, General Cawdor becomes deeply conflicted by the ruthless dismantling of neighboring states and the destruction caused under the guise of regional security. Witnessing the devastating consequences of Caledonia's actions, Cawdor defies the orders of the Governor-King and becomes a separatist leader, rallying like-minded individuals within the military and among the civilian population.

Her dissent takes the form of a coup, seeking to overthrow the existing government and challenge the colonial authority that perpetuates such destructive policies. Cawdor articulates her vision for a Caledonia free from oppressive foreign influence, dedicated to a more just and inclusive society.

When Cawdor rebels against Albion's oppressive policies, The One is given explicit instructions to quell her coup. Learning that Cawdor is hiding in the southern town of Greenock, an impoverished area that also happens to be The One’s birthplace, he launches a full-scale bombing of the area to “flush out the fox from the hole” that, while ultimately resulting in the arrest of Cawdor, levels much of the town, creating a new uprising.

The time is unclear, perhaps a separate timeline that branches from the history of a country once called Scotland, and its history of ambitious tyrants.

Special Thanks

Redwood High School
College of Marin
Tamalpais High School

The Creators of The Untime would like to thank the following artists for their invaluable contributions to the development of this play:

Christoper Hammond, Michael Ray Wisely, Richard Pallaziol, Molly Noble, Brian Herndon, Lisa Morse, Bridgette Loriaux, Kunal Prasad, Stacy Ross, Rebecca Schweitzer, Brady Morales Woolery, Cassidy Brown, Joel Roster, Elena Wright, Lisa Marie Newton, Emilie Talbott, Norman Gee, Adrian Deane, Michael Austin, Stevie DeMott, Pepi Ross and Jason Marks


** Member, United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE
*** Member, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society