Ezell: Ballad of a Land Man
Support the Pittsburgh production of this parable of domination + resilience from the foothills of Appalachia.
Leader
Gregory Manley
Location
Tree Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 15201
About the project
Support the upcoming production of...
EZELL: Ballad of a Land Man
A parable of Dominance + Resilience from the foothills of Appalachia
September 28th - 30th + October 1st
Outdoors at Tree Pittsburgh
Presented by Clear Creek Creative
Support this environmental, cultural and spiritual parable derived from life in the foothills of Appalachia. Ezell tells the story of one man among many seeking to make sense of the time, place and condition in which we live. His choices, traumas, ancestors and more intersect with themes of domination and resilience as he seeks to take advantage of an anticipated fracking boom and the opportunity to reconnect with the people and land of his raising.
Ezell is in part a study of domination in the wide range of its prominent and more subtle forms — domination between a man and the land, between a man and other people, between a man and himself. It is in part a story about how climate change, the extractive resource industry and intergenerational trauma impact the choices and decisions of a man and the land he would like to call home. It is in part a ceremony that calls to our desire for connection and belonging, that reveres nature and binds us intimately within her, that invokes the resilience, love and lessons of our ancestors and generations yet to come.
This production will feature a riverfront walk, a staged amphitheater performance, and outdoor meal to follow.
The Steps
8/15: Online Promotions begin
8/28: Ticket Sales Begin
9/1: Print promotions begin
9/22-9/27: Rehearsal & Workshops in Pittsburgh
9/28-10/1: Performances at Tree Pittsburgh
10/2: Touring company departs
10/8: Reconciliation and review
Why we‘re doing it
From Clear Creek Creative: "Our primary focus is to share this work with other front-line fossil fuel extraction communities, post-industrial communities and indigenous communities who we believe will relate intrinsically to the content, trauma and resilience of this experience and with whom we are eager to learn and exchange. We are partnering primarily with other artists and community organizers to tour this work and welcome inquiries and invitations."
The Pittsburgh production is important because for many Americans, this "Steel City" represents the challenges and perseverance of post-industrial communities all across our country. This story of resilience and dominion within our landscape can be a profound act of healing as we find new ways forward in better harmony with our surroundings.