Remote

In a time where traditional intelligence networks seem to have failed, and where “faith-based” decisions challenge scientific “objectivity”, this new multimedia theatre project by award winners Kraft + Purver weaves live video manipulation with theater to blur the lines between reality and perception. Both hilarious and revealing, Remote draws from factual research into bizarre experiments in psychic spying performed by the U.S. military and the CIA, and also from the impact of communications technology on the nature of relationships, and takes an unconventional look at our attempts to connect and control while still paradoxically maintaining a safe distance.

Through the re-enactment of military efforts to train psychic spies, and of a real-life long distance relationship conducted through the internet, Remote explores how distance can afford us both the grace of perspective and the capacity for violence. Multiple visual layers of “reality” shift as the performers interact live with onstage cameras and video effects that transform their physical gestures into 3D graphical landscapes, as they attempt to find their way through the maze of their own thoughts in order to find their targets.

Conceived and designed by Kraft + Purver, “Remote” is performed by Sara Kraft and Ed Purver, with Ernie Lafky and Rowena Richie. Transporting, shrewdly evocative, and often very funny, their creative process suggests two precocious, deeply mischievous children with advanced degrees and the keys to the laboratory San Francisco Bay Guardian.

“The further you are, the closer I feel to you – please, stay away” – Remote

When: Aug. 3-12, 2006 (Thurs, Fri, Sat @ 8pm)
Where: CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission St. (at 9th), San Francisco
Reservations: (415) 435-7552
Web: www.kraftpurver.com
www.counterpulse.org