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Motus Theater brings crucial conversations to Colorado through June

The award-winning theater company will host its first-ever performance and art exhibition event series 'There’s No THEM in U.S.'
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NEWS RELEASE
MOTUS THEATER
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The award-winning Motus Theater company will host its first-ever performance & art exhibition event series “There’s No THEM in U.S.” that helps US in the U.S. recognize our shared humanity. The series running throughout the month of June honors Immigrant Heritage Month, Juneteenth, and LGBTQIA+ Pride through powerful art, and personal stories at the intersections between immigrant rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and criminal legal reform. 

This June performance series, in both Denver and Boulder, aims to support an intersectional approach to shared storytelling by bringing together monologists from Motus’ three unique touring autobiographical monologue projects: UndocuAmerica, with undocumented storytellers; JustUs, with formerly incarcerated storytellers; and TRANSformative Stories, with transgender and nonbinary storytellers. The series not only challenges false “othering” narratives of exclusion and dehumanization, but celebrates our shared humanity. 

Denver and Boulder area audiences can experience autobiographical monologue performances, strategic collaborations and visual art that have won Motus numerous regional awards including: the 2024 statewide “Rex Morgan Award for Innovative Partnerships and Regional Collaborations” by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) (which will celebrate awardees on June 5th); Westword’s 2023 Award for “Best Mural Series,” and Westword ‘s 2022 Award for “Best Theatrical Programming.” 

Central to the recognition and imbued in the June series is Motus’ innovative collaborations where Motus formerly incarcerated and undocumented monologists have their stories read by leaders as diverse as the Boulder County Sheriff and District Attorney, the Longmont Colorado Police Chief, and the founder of the Second Chance Center and Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN). 

Motus collaborations in June will also premiere two art exhibits in Boulder and Denver featuring award-winning visual art that shares stories of Motus Theater’s undocumented monologists - one with Redline Contemporary Art Center at their satellite location at the Evans School in Denver, and another with the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. 

And Motus Theater’s performances with monologists from their UndocuAmerica, JustUs and TRANSformative Stories projects during June include celebrated singers such as Denver’s own Spirit of Grace, a cameo of the most diverse improv troupe in Colorado - Motus Playback Improv Theater, and more! Monologists who have been affected by private prisons and immigrant detention centers will gather for a shared performance. And, queer and transgender immigrant monologists, including some who are undocumented, will unite for a special LGBTQIA+ Pride performance by Motus Theater. (5 unique June events with a pre-opening exhibition in May - listed below).

Friday May 10 – Art Exhibition & Reception with the Dairy Arts Center – UndocuAmerica: Reclaiming Our Presence. Dairy Arts Center: 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Opening, 5:00–8:00pm (On view through 7/14/24). 

Saturdays June 1, 8, 22, 2024 – Visual Art Exhibition & Reception in Collaboration with Redline Contemporary Arts Center – UndocuAmerica: Reclaiming Our Presence. Evans School (Redline Contemporary Art Center Satellite Location): 1115 Acoma Street Denver, CO, 80204. Exhibition Opening Reception 6:30–7:30pm.

Saturday June 1 – Performance – Autobiographical Monologues of Undocumented Coloradans + Visual Art Exhibition. Evans School (Redline Contemporary Art Center Satellite Location): 1115 Acoma Street Denver, CO, 80204. Performance 7:30–9pm.

Saturday June 8 – Performance – Justice Behind Bars: Stories from Privatized Detention & Carceral Corporations. Evans School (Redline Contemporary Art Center Satellite Location): 1115 Acoma Street Denver, CO, 80204. Performance 7:30–9pm. 

Saturday June 15 – Performance – Law Enforcement Leaders Read “Women of Resolution.” Dairy Arts Center: 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302. Performance 4:00–5:30pm. 

Saturday June 22 – Performance – Queer Immigrant Pride! Empowering Performances of LGBTQIA+ Immigrants. Evans School (Redline Contemporary Art Center Satellite Location): 1115 Acoma Street Denver, CO, 80204. Performance 7:30–9pm. 

"In a time when societal divides seem insurmountable, Motus Theater's ‘There’s No THEM in U.S.’ series is a deliberate act of reclamation and unity,” said Motus Theater Artistic Executive Director and Founder Kirsten Wilson. “Through the transformative power of storytelling, we confront the “othering” narratives that have historically marginalized communities to foster a space for understanding and radical belonging. Our performances are an invitation to witness, engage, and participate in the creation of a new story of America where everyone’s humanity is honored. Join us in celebrating the diversity of human experience and the potent antidote that storytelling provides against the forces of 'othering' that permeate America this election year.”

Cristian Solano-Cordova, Motus Theater UndocuAmerica monologist & Motus Director of Communications, Outreach, & Development adds, “our identities are forged from the stories we tell ourselves and others, yet prevailing narratives can silence diversity under the guise of normativity. Motus Theater is on a mission to disrupt these patterns by rewriting the American story by putting center stage the people whose voices are often silenced. This June, we're not just telling stories; we're co-creating a 21st century American narrative of inclusion and belonging.” 
Motus Theater invites the community and media to join in these art exhibitions and intersectional performances honoring Immigrant Heritage, Juneteenth and Pride to witness the powerful narratives aimed at dismantling exclusion and embracing the humanity inherent in all of us:

  • Tickets for all shows are available for purchase at MotusTheater.org/events. 

  • Media inquiries and interview requests can be directed to Motus Theater Director of Communications Cristian Solano-Cordova at [email protected] or (720) 434-4632.

  • Full event series details below.

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