Hi Faithful BB Blog Readers!

Today marks a significant day for us as we embark on the research/development phase of The Hope Frieze Pt. 1.

The lead artists on this project will be Ensemble Members GG, Amy, Brian, Natalia, Niki, and Rita. We also will have significant contributions from artists new to BB who are joining us for the process, Clinton, Nick, Spencer, Tyler and Emily. We are aiming to present the project as an open studio work in progress in early May (6, 7, 8); currently seeking a space.

My hope is that with this phase of the project, we will develop a structure and document the process, giving us significant material to use in grant applications and towards seeking funding to take the piece to the next level.

We've never attempted a project of this scope before, and frankly, its a little daunting. But this work, and the subjects that it covers, couldn't be more applicable towards our current condition as human beings and artists. I was chilled at the parallels between this article below, written just a few weeks ago, and the Stalinist horrors of the 30s I have been researching:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/mourners-bid-farewell-to-boris-nemtsov-but-fear-their-hopes-have-died-with-him

Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.

~ Emily Dickinson

BrickaBrack has announced the appointment of Ensemble Member Amy Nielson to the newly created position of Associate Artistic Director. A performer, director, choreographer, and costumer, Amy hails from Utah and came to NY four years ago via the Bay Area, where she met BrickaBrack's Artistic Director, Gabriel Grilli.

​Grilli notes, "Amy has been a long-term supporter of BrickaBrack since our founding, and a dear friend of mine for many years now. She was instrumental in helping to establish the company in NY, and her capacity to lead, artistic curiosity, and commitment are second to none. In our rehearsals and workshops, Amy exhibits a plethora of skills and areas of expertise which I'm still discovering. For instance, I'd known her for years before learning that she was a docent at SF MOMA. I had no idea the extent of her knowledge and passion for visual art - it's crazy! She has an insatiable hunger for learning. Amy's been a company leader since we moved to NYC, and this position in actuality simply reflects the extent of her involvement with BrickaBrack.  We're so fortunate to have her with us on this journey.”

​Nielson's role as Associate Artistic Director will involve helping coordinate artistic initiatives (including Ensemble work & long term planning), building relationships with artists/collaborators, leading specific artistic projects/explorations, and developing partnerships/residencies/company expansion opportunities.
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"I am so grateful to have found a creative home with BrickaBrack." says Nielson, "I knew from its inception that this company would be a place for artists to engage, explore and entertain. We need more theatre like this. I'm looking forward to what Brickabrack will contribute to the New York community and beyond."