Miró, Magic & the Night, a new play at the Denver Art Museum, tells the (imaginary) story of a day in the life of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Written by Jessica Roblee, Mitch Slevc (Buntport Theater Company’s education team) and Lindsay Genshaft, manager of family and community programs at the DAM, the play introduces guests to Miró and explores his creative journey.
The play, which is included with general admission (FREE for all kids 18 and younger), will be performed at 9:30 am for members and 10:30 am for the public on March 28, April 25, and May 30, 2015. After watching the 30-minute play, guests can go explore Joan Miró: Instinct & Imagination.
Engaging visitors through theater is a way to help connect people to art and artists, Genshaft said. “Families will be transported into this other world and then go upstairs and see his real artworks. It’s like a concert where it’s more exciting to attend when you know all the songs. I think kids and adults alike will enjoy the exhibition even more after seeing the play because they’ll know to look for the different symbols and shapes Miró developed.”
Genshaft didn’t want to give away any surprises, but she noted the play is interactive and filled with humor. “We call it ‘Pixar’ humor, so there are jokes on different levels so kids will get some and adults will get some,” she said.
This is the sixth time that Buntport Theater Company and the department of learning and engagement at the DAM have collaborated on an art-inspired play. But this is the first one that will be in Sharp Auditorium (on the lower level of the Hamilton Building), allowing the playwrights to explore more theater techniques.
“The set is so magical,” she said. “And our team is getting to work with special lighting and audio elements that will make this play even more enjoyable. I’m really excited to share it with audiences.”