RTC's (CALIFORNIA) RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL:



NOTE:  EVERYONE, THIS FESTIVAL WAS RENAMED THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (CITF), AND WAS MOVED TO CALABASSAS IN 2009. THE CITF WEBSITE CAN BE FOUND HERE

 

 

THE RITF PREVIEW SEASON BROCHURE

(Most of this information is also obtained in the information posted just below the brochure pictures)

http://www.rubicontheatre.org/galas/ritf.php

http://www.rift.org/  

 









 

 

header
 

dear friends

Three years ago, true to form, Rubicon Theatre Company presented a festival in which esteemed actors and artists from around the world came together to present the entire canon of Samuel Beckett. Among them was Michael Colgan, Artistic Director of Ireland's Gate Theatre. Energized and inspired by the gathering, it was an exhilarating time.

Then it happened. A group of us were at the Bella Maggiore Inn, enjoying the kind of extended conversation that happens with close friends after a wonderful meal. You can see where this is going. Michael said, "This would be the perfect place for an annual international theatre festival." Michael left for Dublin the next day-but that simple statement started to keep us up nights. Beautiful Ventura's splendid outdoor summer activities by day and stimulating theatre by night; what could be better?

Welcome now to the Preview Season of the Rubicon International Theatre Festival. Artists from France, Israel, Ivory Coast, the United Kingdom and Venezuela will tell love stories, confront the emotional ravages of war, dream of the future and offer an infusion of joy.

Please join us this July-it is with you that we can know a more literate, empathic and passionate world community. See you at the Festival!


Linda Purl, Festival Director

 
calendar 1
calendar 2
cyclone

by Luis Marques
directed by Vagba Obou de Sales
sponsored by Elizabeth Grossman and
The Larson Charitable Foundation
and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Somewhere in Africa a 26-year-old rebel guerilla colonel is held captive in a prison cell. It is the first safe haven he has known since being captured from his village as a child. A court-appointed female attorney unearths the man trapped behind a lifetime of violence. "A piercing face to face encounter played by the two grand actors of the Ivory Coast." -- Le Figaro

Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura

cyclone

adapted by Oren Neeman
from "Confession" by Yonatan Ben-Nachum
translated by Ami Dayan and Mark Williams
directed and performed by Ami Dayan
sponsored by Shelley and Rick Bayer, Sandra and Jordan Laby and City of Calabasas

In present-day Madrid, an Israeli scholar is detained for stealing a confidential file which tells the story of a Catholic priest and a beautiful young Jewess during the Spanish Inquisition. The priest is required to "purify" the woman. He visits her daily, drawn to her intelligence and charm. Their friendship ultimately becomes an all-consuming love affair. "Dayan is a master." -- Variety

Ventura College Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road
(7/21 only) Calabasas Civic Center Amphitheatre, 200 Civic Center Way

 
 
cyclone

by Samuel Beckett
directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett
produced by Gare St Lazare Players, Ireland
sponsored by Micheline and Albert Sakharoff and the Irish Arts Council

Internationally renowned for their fresh and accessible interpretations of Beckett's prose, Gare St Lazare presents acclaimed actor Conor Lovett in this new adaptation. The narrator, expelled from the family home upon the death of his father, takes refuge on a bench by a canal. There he meets a woman who takes him home. "One could hardly come up with a better human instrument to intone Samuel Beckett's comic prose than Conor Lovett" -- L.A. Times

Ventura College Studio Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road

cyclone

directed By Erwan Daourhas
starring Julien Cottereau
winner 2007 Moliere Award - Best Actor
sponsored by Bunnin Automotive

An 11-year veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Cottereau is a virtuoso clown and mime artist who has been likened to Harpo Marx, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Imagine-Toi draws us into a special universe populated with astonishing characters performed by the acrobatic, elastic Cottereau, who also creates his own animal sounds and other effects. A wonderful event for all ages! "Fantastic, delirious, amazing, fabulous, incomparable, hilarious, elegant, unique, marvelous, fairy-like, shining, funny..." -- Recalls

co-sponsored by Hogan Family Foundation
étant donnés and French Cultural Services

Ventura College Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura

 
 
cyclone

musical director Ron Abel
sponsored by Joan Payden and John Scardino
sponsored by Wells Fargo Foundation

London cabaret artist Giselle Wolf sings songs from the heart about love hoped for, won and lost. Her repertoire includes American standards, showtunes, jazz and French favorites. "Giselle Wolf is an interpreter whose consummate skills can deliver these messages of love, joy, sadness, regret, loss and just being human."
-- Glynn MacDonald, Shakespeare's Globe, London

Elk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura

 
 
cyclone

by Gustavo Ott
directed by Lourdes Solarzano
sponsored by Danny Villanueva

From Teatro de las Americas, this hilarious play looks at a young urban husband and wife and their meticulously planned program to have a baby. In the midst of the procedures, each finds that they must deal with "baggage" -- especially when it shows up at their door! In Spanish with supertitles.

Bell Arts Factory, 432 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura

cyclone

Staged by James O'Neil
Special Concert by Stephen Bishop
Sponsored by Barbara Meister and Family

A star-studded evening of international performers that celebrates cross-cultural currents in both words and music with a live concert performance by singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop. Five actors from around the world speak Shakespeare's eternal question "To be or not to be..." in their native tongues accompanied by piano underscoring. A catered reception with international foods and a no-host bar is included with orchestra tickets. Many of RITF's Artistic Advisory Council members will be present for this exciting event. Festive attire suggested.

Majestic Ventura Theatre, 26 South Chestnut Street, Ventura

cyclone
sponsored by Scott and Rachelle Adler


Renowned Kabuki scholar Professor Lon Gordon gives a colorful lecture/demonstration based on historical and personal notes made during his unique three-year apprenticeship with the Grand Kabuki Theatre of Japan.

Elk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura


These selections celebrate Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273,) one of humanity's most passionate and exalted mystic poets. His poems are sharp, dazzling, electric messages directly from Rumi's heart to our own, a testament to Love's immensity.

Ventura Book Fair, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 East Harbor Blvd., Ventura


Festival apprentices have been immersed over a three-week period in an array of international theatre disciplines. This evening showcases their talents and new discoveries.

time warnerElk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura sponsored by Time Warner Cable


Matinees and Weekdays: $42 * Friday and Saturday nights: $47 * Opening Ceremony: $250, $125, $42
Tu Ternura Molotov: $10
Patron Passport (Premium seating all shows plus Opening Ceremony reception -35% discount): $315
Festival Passport (Seating all shows plus Opening Ceremony reception- 15% discount):$200
Senior 65+ discount: $5 per ticket * Select student matinees: $25
For tickets and information, call 805.667.2900 or visit: www.ritf.org

 

Artistic Advisory Council:
Arvin Brown * Kate Burton * Susan Clark * Martha Coigney * Bruce Davison * Olympia Dukakis
Sheldon Epps * Miguel Ferrer * Peter Goldfarb * Julie Harris * Peter Hunt * Stacy Keach * Joe Mantegna
Donald Margulies * Alfred Molina * Jerry Patch * Roger Rees * Michael Ritchie * Craig Slaight * Tony Taccone
Richard Thomas * George White * Michael York
 

 

 

 

If you would like to view this e-mail online, click here.

Please join us for the
OPENING CEREMONY
of the
RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

sponsored by Southern California Gas Company a Sempra Energy Utility in partnership
with the City of Ventura

A star-studded evening with performances by international artists,  
launching ten days of plays from around the world
featuring...

Oscar ® and Grammy ® Award Nominee
STEPHEN BISHOP
LIVE IN CONCERT

plus the Inaugural presentation of
The Gordon Davidson Award
for Distinguished Creative Contribution to the Art of the Theatre
Honoree: Gordon Davidson

Founding Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group

***********

Friday, July 18
7:00pm reception        8:00pm performance
Majestic Ventura Theatre, 26 South Chestnut St., Ventura

$250 Patron Seating (includes reception)
$125 Festival Seating (includes reception), $42 Balcony Seating

Tickets (805) 667-2900 or www.ritf.org

***********

Rubicon International Theatre Festival
2008 PREVIEW SEASON
July 12-27, 2008

Featured Community Preview Event: July 12, 13
Your Molotov Kisses/Tu Ternura Molotov (Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott)
a production of Teatro de las Americas of Ventura.
Sponsored by Danny Villanueva

Opening Ceremony
Special Concert by Stephen Bishop July 18
Sponsored by Barbara Meister and the Meister Family Foundation

Eye of the Cyclone (Ivory Coast) July 16-19
Sponsored by Elizabeth Grossman and the Larson Charitable Foundation;
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Conviction (Israel/USA) July 19-21
Sponsored by Shelley and Rick Bayer; Sandra and Jordan Laby; City of Calabasas

First Love (Ireland) July 23-27
Sponsored by Micheline and Albert Sakharoff; Irish Arts Council

Imagine-toi (France) July 24-27
Sponsored by Bunnin Automotive Group; Co-Sponsored by Hogan Family Foundation and French Cultural Services

Cabaret (United Kingdom) Giselle Wolf July 25
Sponsored by Joan Payden; John Scardino

***********

Festival Tickets (805) 667-2900 or www.ritf.org
Matinees and weekdays $42
Friday and Saturday nights $47
Featured Community Event: Tu Ternura Molotov $10 all seats

Patron Passport $315
Includes premium seating at all shows, including Opening Ceremony with reception - 35% discount.

Festival Passport $200
Includes all shows, and Opening Ceremony with reception/15% discount

(Senior 65 plus discount $5 per ticket and select student matinees $25 - Call Box Office for details.)


 



 

Rubicon International Theatre Festival
In the summer of 2008, as part of the Rubicon Theatre Company's tenth anniversary celebration and continuing commitment to its expansive mission, Ventura, California's "New Art City", will see the launch of an annual, international theatre festival. Situated on the water's edge Ventura is truly a gem of the Pacific Rim, a retreat midst surf, sand and mountains. Join us won't you? Come play, enjoy and celebrate with us the complexities of the human spirit as we strive to stimulate participation in the greater dialogue and thus in the creation of our society's values in a way that only the live theatre can do....  

 

RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Mission
To produce an annual festival in Ventura, California which offers a fusion of distinguished international theatre productions and new works created for the festival.

Vision
The festival is a forum where citizens of the world can come together, immerse themselves in multiple productions over a concentrated period of time, and viscerally experience "the road not taken." They savor new adventures, discover new vistas, and examine their perceptions of the human condition. The personal experience of theatre illuminates universal themes and stimulates social dialogue, deepening human connections and fostering greater understanding between individuals and cultures.

Objectives
To create bridges for the advancement of cross-cultural understanding, an imperative in an increasingly fragmented world.

To bring a diverse public into the ambiance and the beautiful setting of Ventura, California, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where they will experience the many attractions of the area and the multiple productions of the festival.

To cultivate future generations of engaged and informed citizens through performance, education and outreach programs.

FACILITIES AND VENUES

The Festival will be using numerous sites all within close proximity to Ventura's downtown cultural district. Among them are Ventura's expansive State owned and operated Fairgrounds situated on the water's edge.

Existing Fairground venues
- Pacific Arena, an outdoor rodeo arena with a capacity of 1800.
- Morgan Arena, an outdoor arena with a capacity of 300.
- Fairgrounds Anacapa Hall and San Miguel Hall, two 20,000 square foot buildings ideal for alternative spaces each with a capacity for 400- 500.

In addition there is room for two tents. Full infrastructure is already in place with easy marked access from the 101 freeway. The Amtrak train station is also at the Fairgrounds. We intend to secure the use of the Fairgrounds as an in kind donation from the State.

Within 10-15 minutes walk of the Fairgrounds
- Rubicon Theatre, a 200 seat proscenium theatre and home of the Rubicon Theatre Company
- Majestic Theatre, 900 seat proscenium with cabaret style seating in place

Within ten minutes drive of downtown
- Adobe Olivas, a county run turn of the century Spanish adobe with out door gardens abutting its expansive façade. Capacity 200.
- RITF's ability to present international theatre troops in a setting that takes full advantage of the natural wonders of the farthest West will make our festival distinctive, our identity unique and be a crucial element in our success.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Education and outreach is a cornerstone of the Festival mission. As such we are strongly committed to providing unique training opportunities for students of all ages through the festival. Our components to achieve this are:

Apprentice Program
This program is comprised of 20 students age I8 and up, who want to expand their theatre education and experience. Lectures are given by visiting Artists and classes taught by Festival Faculty. Apprentices will learn about the different aspects of running a professional theatre company by training in each of the various departments under Festival Staff (props, costumes, box office, scene shop, stage management, etc.) on a rotating basis. As such they will be closely involved in the day-to-day operations.

International Theatre Panel Discussion
Visiting theatre professionals will gather to discuss the place, purpose and responsibility of theatre in our world in two panel discussions. These lively debates will be open to the public.

Theatre Talks
A seminar series open to the public, given by visiting theatre professionals on a variety of topics relating to all aspects of the theatre.

The Celebration Parade
Banners, masks, musical ensembles, giant puppets and floats reflecting the theme of each year's Festival will be created in a workshop under the tutelage of local and international artists. This parade workshop, known as Celebration Headquarters, will host ongoing sessions open to the public in the months leading up to the Parade and Festival. During the spring semester, artists will also be available to mentor the building of parade entries at local schools. These unique entries will be constructed from both found and donated materials and shall exclude the use of motorized vehicles, live animals, words and placards. The Parade will travel Ventura city streets and journey to the Fairgrounds where it will merge with street performers, musicians and Festival booths. Held on the Saturday of opening weekend to the Rubicon International Theatre Festival, it will serve to kick off the season's events.

World class international theatre presentations coupled with the expansive spirit and restorative beauty of the West, Los Angeles adjacent RITF will provide a unique experience and powerful purpose for audience and artist alike. We look forward to seeing you in 2008.

"No impersonal representation of a culture can fully communicate its reality to others who have never known its substance. Through personal relations - our curiosity can be fulfilled by a sense of knowledge, cynicism can give way to trust, and the warmth of human friendship be kindled."
         -- President John F. Kennedy

Founders: Karyl Lynn Burns, James O'Neil, Linda Purl

Festival Director: Linda Purl

Executive Director: M. Edgar Rosenblum

Artistic Advisory Board
Arvin Brown (Former Artistic Director Long Wharf) Kate Burton Martha Coigney (Honorary President ITI) Peter Goldfarb (Vice President ITI International) Julie Harris Peter Hunt Donald Margulies Jerry Patch (Co-Artistic Director Old Globe Theatre/Former Director Sundance Theatre Festival) Roger Rees (Artistic Director Williamstown Theatre Festival) Michael Ritchie(Artistic Director CTG) Craig Slaight (Young Conservatory Director/Associate Artist A.C.T.) Tony Taccone (Artistic Director Berkeley Rep) Richard Thomas George White (Founder Eugene O'Neil Theatre)

We look forward to your joining us in the summer of 2008!  

LOCATION

Ventura, California - one hour north of Los Angeles, set along the scenic California coast line.

DATES

 

July 16-27, 2008 - Debut Season

July 9-19, 2009 - Inaugural Season

VENUES

 

Facilities as part of the Ventura County Fairgrounds (2009)
- Pacific Arena
- Anacapa Hall
- San Miguel Hall

Off site facilities:
- Helen Yunker Theatre
- Ventura High School
- Ventura Black Box
- Rubicon Theatre

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

France, NEWIreland, NEWIsrael and Ivory Coast

   

 

 

Rubicon International Theatre Festival

Three-Week Intensive
Professional Apprenticeship Program
for Actors
Led by Master Juilliard Faculty & International Artists

The Rubicon International Theatre Festival, led by Artistic Director Linda Purl, presents its Preview Season July 17-27, 2008 in the beautiful beach town of Ventura, California, one-hour north of Los Angeles, offering a powerful fusion of distinguished artists and international productions from across the globe.

The festival unveils its
Professional Apprenticeship Program
this season as well - from July 8-28, 2008.

  • Led by Juilliard Master faculty & world renowned directors Moni Yakim and Mina Yakim
  • From The Leqoc School in Paris & Cal State Northridge & Cal State Channel Islands-Luda Popenhagen and Ron Popenhagen
  • Master of Asian Theatre Styles from the University of Illinois- Lon Gordon
  • With master classes & seminars by international artists from the festival
  • And culminating in a performance for festival attendees & industry professionals

Students and artists invited to apply for this three-week intensive international theatre training program include current undergraduate and graduate students as well as high school students entering their senior year or first year of university theatre training who are looking for advanced training and powerful connections to launch their careers. The program will rigorously explore fundamentals of Acting, and Vocal, & Movement styles including Commedia, Clown, Mask, & Kabuki, From the disciplines of Grotowski, Decroux, Adler, Lecoq, and Shakespeare.

Housing (private rooms) & classes are on the beautiful campus of Cal State University at Channel Islands. Tuition for the 3 week program is $1,950 including housing & breakfast. $1,500 without housing/breakfast. A limited number of scholarships are also available.

Deadline for Applications Extended!

Do You Know:

* An actor who would benefit from working with Juilliard teachers & international artists this summer?
* A talented student actor entering their senior year or graduating high school this spring?
* A college theatre student or graduate student looking for advanced training and powerful connections?

This Apprenticeship Program will give them a great advantage as they launch their careers!

Also seeking volunteers to assist the Apprentice Program and the International Festival in General.

 

For Apprentice Program & Volunteer Info,
contact Joe Peracchio, Associate Producer at (805) 667-2912 ext. 238,
or at jperacchio@rubicontheatre.org

 

Please visit www.RITF.org for more information and application.

Click here to download the application.


#######################################################################################################

A SPECIAL EVENING TO SUPPORT RITF!

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
and support
RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Patron Tequila is Honored to Sponsor:
The Rosarito Beach Cafe's
"20th Reunion Dinner for the Arts"

Chef/Owner Sandy Smith, and the original staff of the former Rosarito Beach Cafe, wishes to extend an invitation to you to join them in celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Twenty years ago, (or close enough), a small, eleven table cafe in the downtown altered the course of dining in Ventura forever. In retrospect, perhaps they were ahead of their time. But now, twenty years later, their focus on regional Mexican cuisine, quality ingredients, and of course, those fresh hand-rolled tortillas make perfect sense. Join the staff of the Rosarito Beach Cafe as they "do it one more time" to benefit the arts.

When: The evening of May 5th - Cinco de Mayo Cocktails 6:30 Dinner at 7:30
Where: Jonathan's at Peirano's, 204 East Main Street
What: A twelve item tasting menu from the original menu,
matched with wine, and of course, it wouldn't be
Rosarito without those tortillas.
Cost: $100.00 per person - advance payment requested. All proceeds benefit The Rubicon International Theater Festival, and Art City.
How: For Reservations, contact Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900. All credit cards accepted.

A Special Thanks to Our Gracious Hosts and
Owners of Jonathan's - Jocelyn and Jason Collis