Travis Preston, renowned as the director leading the charge at the CalArts Center for New Performance, is widely recognized for his relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of conventional theater. His trailblazing productions not only defy norms but also ignite conversations and expand the horizons of the stage. Among his many groundbreaking endeavors, his bold adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear" is a testament to Preston's unwavering dedication to diversity and innovation in the realm of theater. The following article takes a look at Travis Preston's work with artists from different fields to create interdisciplinary theater productions.
In theater, the boundaries between disciplines often serve as creative frontiers rather than barriers. Director Travis Preston of CalArts exemplifies this ethos through his groundbreaking collaborations, where he seamlessly merges diverse artistic realms to create transcendent theatrical experiences. From reimagining Shakespearean classics to pioneering experimental works, Preston's portfolio is a testament to his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional theater.
Travis Preston's formative years in theater were deeply influenced by his immersion in Polish Theater. He embarked on a transformative journey studying under Jerzy Grotowski at the renowned Teatr Laboratorium in Wroclaw, Poland. There, he delved into the intricacies of physical actions, plastiques, and corporals alongside luminaries like dramaturg Ludwig Flaszen and esteemed Grotowski actors Ryszard Cieslak, Zygmunt Molik, and Rena Mirecka.
Travis Preston's time in Poland extended to participating in the Mountain Project, an immersive experience in the Polish forest curated by Grotowski. Additionally, Preston was introduced to the groundbreaking work of Tadeusz Kantor and Józef Szajna, further enriching his artistic perspective.
Upon his return to the United States, Preston's talent and dedication caught the attention of celebrated Polish film and theater director Andrzej Wajda, who invited him to assist on a production of Tadeusz Ró|ewicz's "White Marriage" at the Yale Repertory Theatre. This marked the beginning of Travis Preston's association with Yale, where he made history as the first student selected to direct a world premiere production at the Yale Repertory Theatre.
Subsequently, Travis Preston of CalArts became a pivotal figure in the establishment of the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard, collaborating closely with Robert Brustein. During his tenure as Associate Artist, Preston focused on directing modern classics, including works by playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill, August Strindberg, Anton Chekhov, and Henrik Ibsen.
Notable productions under his helm included "A Doll's House," "Ghosts," and "Little Eyolf" at the American Ibsen Theater in Pittsburgh. Travis Preston's artistic endeavors extended beyond the United States, with significant premieres like Antonio Buero-Vallejo's "The Sleep of Reason" at Baltimore's Center Stage and Bernard-Marie Koltès' "Roberto Zucco" in New York, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary director with a flair for innovation.
About CalArtsGoing beyond traditional boundaries, the CalArts Center for New Performance facilitates direct engagement with professional communities locally, nationally, and internationally, offering an alternative model that supports emerging trends in the performing arts. By facilitating collaboration between CalArts students and renowned artists, CNP empowers emerging talents to gain invaluable hands-on experience that transcends the confines of their academic curriculum, shaping the future of the performing arts landscape.
The sheer scale and guts of Preston's "King Lear" garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including five L.A. Ovation Award nominations and invitations to international theater festivals. However, Preston's approach wasn't without its detractors, with some critics questioning the production's coherence and pacing. Despite these challenges, Travis Preston's willingness to experiment with form, content and casting underscored his commitment to innovation and risk-taking in the theater.
Recognizing the need to break free from conventional norms, Travis Preston of CalArts took on a mission to infuse the timeless tragedy with new vitality and resonance. At the heart of his innovative approach was the decision to assemble an all-female cast, a move aimed at challenging stereotypes and celebrating the talent and versatility of female performers. By casting women in traditionally male roles, Preston not only provided a platform for actresses to showcase their skills but also made a powerful statement on gender equality and representation in the theater.
Complementing this groundbreaking casting choice was Preston's vision for a site-specific staging that would immerse audiences in a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Most notable is the industrial backdrop of the Brewery Arts Complex in downtown Los Angeles. The production embraced its surroundings, using the raw and atmospheric environment to amplify the drama and intensity of Shakespeare's masterpiece. This unconventional venue transformed the space into a dynamic and immersive theater, blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality and inviting audiences to become active participants in the unfolding narrative.
Furthermore, Travis Preston's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional theater extended to the aesthetic and stylistic elements of the production. Embracing a post-modern sensibility, the staging of "King Lear" incorporated innovative design elements, multimedia projections, and avant-garde visuals that challenged conventional notions of stagecraft and storytelling. By experimentation and pushing the boundaries of the avant-garde, Travis Preston of CalArts invited audiences to expand their perceptions of what theater could be, encouraging them to engage with the play in a deeper and more thought-provoking manner.
Gaining widespread acclaim beyond the borders of Los Angeles, Travis Preston's innovative production of "King Lear" garnered attention on the international stage. Its exceptional reception led to invitations to esteemed theater festivals worldwide, including the renowned Frictions Festival in Dijon, France. These accolades not only celebrated the production's artistic merit but also highlighted the global impact of Preston's visionary approach to theater. By earning recognition at prestigious festivals, Travis Preston's adaptation showcased the universal resonance and relevance of his creative vision, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in contemporary theater-making.
Travis Preston's collaborative ventures across artistic disciplines stand as a testament to the profound impact of boundary-breaking theater. By fearlessly reinterpreting timeless classics and spearheading groundbreaking original productions, Travis Preston compels audiences to reconsider the very essence of theatrical expression. As both a visionary director and dedicated educator, Travis Preston of CalArts' influence extends far beyond the stage, igniting a spark of creativity in artists and audiences alike. His enduring legacy serves as a guiding light for those who aspire to challenge conventions and craft transformative theatrical experiences.
Impact on the ArtsIn a remarkable revisit to classical theater, Travis Preston staged Aeschylus' "Prometheus Bound" at the Getty Villa's Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Outdoor Amphitheater in 2013. This reimagined performance, featuring Emmy award winner Ron Cephas Jones as Prometheus and Mirjana Jokovi as Io, captivated audiences with its innovative use of a 23-foot-tall rotating steel wheel symbolizing time and the protagonist's agonizing plight.
August 2010 marked yet another significant milestone in Preston's career when he was appointed Dean of the CalArts School of Theater, a testament to his leadership and commitment to shaping the future of performing arts education. In the same year, he directed a compelling rendition of Ibsen's "The Master Builder" at the Almeida Theatre in London, starring Gemma Arterton and Stephen Dillane, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into classic works.
Travis Preston's creative vision transcended traditional boundaries in his 2005 production of Shakespeare's "Macbeth (A Modern Ecstasy)." Exploring the depths of Macbeth's psyche, Preston staged this one-performer drama in a minimalist set at REDCAT in Disney Hall, captivating audiences with his innovative interpretation. The production received acclaim at prestigious venues such as the Almeida Theatre in London and the Sydney and Adelaide Festivals in Australia.
Beyond his directorial achievements, Travis Preston of CalArts has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of theater practitioners. As a respected faculty member at esteemed institutions including SUNY Purchase, The Yale School of Drama, and New York University, he has imparted his expertise and passion for theater to aspiring artists worldwide. Preston's dedication to nurturing talent extends to his roles at the National Theater School of Denmark, Indiana University, Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, and ACT at Harvard University, where he continues to inspire and mentor emerging artists in their creative journeys.
