A large screen is dropped in front of the audience. The theater fades to black. Footsteps are heard coming closer. A masked figure emerges desperate for an idea to entertain the waiting audience. As he moves behind the screen a light bulb flashes and the ideas in this strange man’s head begin to swim across the screen…

This third installment of the HYPERBOLE projects looks at examining the idea of "epiphany" looking at ordinary moments of birth, adolescence, death, love, faith and chaos in extraordinary ways. Comprised of a series of short vignettes set to original music, HYPERBOLE: epiphany bombards audiences with its visually stimulating environments and larger than life characters. The stories of epiphany are brought to life with music, stylized movement, digital video, theatrical effects and the use of over fifty puppets and masks.

The “HYPERBOLE” series is self-described by the Rogues as Hyper-theater, more akin in style to a live music video than to a play. The more than 20 songs featured in HYPERBOLE: epiphany, selected from over forty local musicians and music groups, is an eclectic mix that ranges in style from originally composed chamber orchestra pieces, to rock, punk and the wildly experimental. The music serves to score each storyline and drive the plot of each mini-play. HYPERBOLE: epiphany features music written and recorded by many L.A. artists including The Ditty Bops, Jack Irons, Run Run Run and composer Ben Phelps. The show also featured the premiere of "The Mysterious Adventures of Johnny Crumb” written and conceived by Rogue Artists Ensemble member Ben Phelps. The story chronicles a troubled boy named Johnny through his daily struggles and into his imaginary world, where not even he can be alone.

Featured Musicians:
The Ditty Bops: www.thedittybops.com

Chris Merritt: www.uppervillemusic.com

The Rise of the Speedmen: www.riseofthespeedmen.com

Run Run Run: www.runrunrun.tv

Jack Irons: www.jackirons.com

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“…there's a lot of creative flair here, and a plethora of promise.” Los Angeles Times   “…Cawelti’s puppets and masks are ingenious and elaborately detailed…" LA Weekly

Nominated for Best Mask Design Award by the Los Angeles Weekly

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HYPERBOLE: epiphany was Rogue Artists Ensemble's inaugural Los Angeles performance project and marked the start of the group's existence as an LA-based ensemble of artists. The project was performed at the Son of Semele Theater in Los Angeles from August 12th–September 3rd with a number of sold-out performances.

We are not currently planning to bring back HYPERBOLE: epiphany but are considering creating a full production of Ben Phelps’ “The Mysterious Adventures of Johnny Crumb” in the coming years.

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In the Press

“Suddenly, the phrase ‘surreal private worlds’ doesn’t sound like a description for a Dali painting but instead, as the best depiction for what’s unfolding before your eyes. In dizzying sequences, black-robbed actors don exotic masks and props as custom made digital video is projected in screens both in front and behind them.”
SoCal.com

HYPERBOLE: epiphany was produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble. This project was made possibly through the generosity of the Rogue’s supporters.

Presented in association with Son of Semele Ensemble.