Laura Lewis-Barr:  Inspirare Theatre

I fell in love with theatre in high school—I found it to be a profound experience in community and art. But once I declared it as my college major, my struggles with the discipline began. I was nervous about how I might make a career for myself and constantly questioned my decision. But every time I debated my future I felt compelled to pursue studies in the Theatre. This compulsion (and questioning) has followed me ever since, for over 20 years. I also struggled with a split within myself and (seemingly) in my world—the split between two communities—the spiritual one that felt like home, and the theatrical community that felt intimidating and foreign.

After college I was asked to direct an improv troupe in Los Angeles and discovered that I had a talent and temperament for directing. I also discovered a college in the San Francisco Bay Area with a program in Transpersonal Psychology. Through my contacts at the University I met a therapist who had been an actress and now used psychodrama in her practice. We worked together privately for several years. Eventually I changed my major at JFKU to “Arts and Consciousness Studies.” But since the school had no theatre focus I eventually transferred to San Francisco State University and obtained my Masters in Theatre.

For me, theatre is about an encounter between actor and audience. We chose the name of our company, “Inspirare,” because it means -- “to take in the divine breath.” It also suggests the kind of deep intake of air, a gasp, that I’d like to evoke in an audience.

When an actor performs with a heroic surrender, when acting is a sacrifice and a confession of the secret self usually hidden, then theatre is a holy art form which transforms.

I am still struggling to find my place in the theatre world. for me, Starting a theatre company in the suburbs has been a crucible for me; highlighting issues around money, “being seen,” “failure,” and “trusting the process.” No matter what happens with this company, or my directing or playwriting pursuits; I have greatly benefited from this often-scary journey. I thank Rick, my warrior husband, for the support to travel this road!

Laura Lewis-Barr
Sept. 2003, Delavan, WI

A large part of my work on the WW Initiation Weekend involved my vocation as a theatre artist.  I continue to create theatre and work on the myriad of issues that producing and directing bring up in me.  Regardless of the struggle, I celebrate each accomplishment.  At present, I have a new production opening.  I invite you to come see some innovative theatre in the Western suburbs. For those WW and Warriors who have come out to our previous productions—thank you!  For more information on my company, visit www.inspiraretheatre.com.

INSPIRARE THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF CHERNOBYL’S FIRE

Playwrights First Award Winner

WHAT:  The Inspirare Theatre, a professional company, specializing in site-specific productions, presents the World Premiere of Chernobyl’s Fire by Laura Lewis Barr – directed by Kelly Hilliard Roush.  In this play of passion and ideas, loosely based on a true story, Dimitri, a Russian scientist studying the effects of radiation outside of Chernobyl, is visited by St. Joan: his muse, teacher, and confidant.  As his visions intensify, Dimitri struggles against time and possible infection to recognize his true calling.

WHEN:  September 30 – October 29              Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.   TICKETS: $15  BOX OFFICE: 630-735-1313 WEBSITE: www.inspiraretheatre.com WHERE: In Lombard (9/30 - 10/15)              at the Lombard Log Cabin              Four Seasons Park              at S. Main and 16th Street,              Lombard, IL              In Bartlett (10/21-10/29):              at the Bartlett Log Cabin              Bartlett Park              at 102 N. Eastern Ave.              Bartlett, IL KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE. Inspirare Theatre is committed to presenting work that focuses on the basics of theatre: actor, audience and text. Since the company’s inception, productions have been mounted in a one-room school house, a church, a suite at the Holiday Inn, and now a log cabin. Technical elements are limited - eliminating the need to recreate an illusion of “place” - leading to a heightened sense of authenticity during the performance.

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