Through May 17, Blessed Unrest will present the world premiere of Body Unredacted, conceived of, directed and choreographed by Jessica, created by the ensemble, in collaboration with playwrights Damen Scranton and Laura Wickens. The limited engagement is at The Makers’ Space, located at 281 North 7th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Jessica is the recipient of the Kennedy Center ACTF Commendation for Distinguished Leadership, First Prize Secondo Festival (Switzerland), LPTW Lucille Lortel Award and multiple NY Innovative Theatre Awards. With Blessed Unrest Burr has directed and choreographed over 40 productions, including 24 world premieres. She is the associate director of Project Untitled, a company evolving socially just processes of analysis and inquiry at the intersection of humanities education and theater-making, and of The Untitled Othello Project, with whom she is currently in residence at Sacred Heart University. She has been recently spotted Untitling Twelfth Night at both the American Shakespeare Center, and the Shakespeare Association of America’s annual conference.
In Body Unredacted, a surgeon finds her heart, a painter exposes the raw humanity of his models, love is found in corners, and siblings chase the moon across space and time. Body Unredacted digs into flesh, organs, bones, into the art, science and lived experience of the human body. The show traces journeys of undying love, prophesy, belonging, and all the scars and inconceivably beautiful things that lie beneath.
Burr says, “As a woman teetering on the verge of 40, I suddenly felt a primal need to break down the walls of outside perception that existed between my self and an authentic experience of the world. I began the process of Body by allowing myself to experience all that I could from the inside. I’ve made this show for myself, for my daughter, and for you. I hope that something can be conjured on this stage that awakens something in you. Something deep, something necessary, something profoundly human.”
Jessica Burr (Photo Credit: Alan Roche)
Can you point to one event that triggered your interest in your career?
When I was a child we moved on average every year, traipsing across states, countries, continents, and always without warning. I would arrive mid school year in a place entirely unknown and have to reinvent myself to keep from getting bullied. Needless to say, it didn’t always work… but I did learn the useful skill of transformation. I think this is the lens through which I am compelled to try and understand the world, to create universes from perspectives other than what is in my own immediate worldview.
What about this career choice did you find most appealing?
Honestly, if I could do anything else, I would. But I can’t. I do what I love every damn day. And I work with extraordinary people. Creating this work is also a way for me to wrestle with the various weirdnessess of humanity, and to try to come to terms with the very uncomfortable fact of chaos. I keep trying to create worlds that on some level make sense. Worlds that can be a comfort as we move closer to death. Also, beautiful worlds. I have a weakness for beauty, and feel no shame in leaning towards it. I think we need more beauty!
What steps did you take to begin your education or training?
I have a lot of younger cousins who had to do as I said, so I started directing as a kid. One of my early works was a rendition of The Walrus and the Carpenter performed by collaborators who ranged in age from about four to nine. I think it was one of my finest pieces…
Mostly I’ve learned about theatre by doing everything but… Living in the Sahara Desert, teaching English overseas, hitchhiking too much, working as a waitress for the Greek mafia. Theatre isn’t about theatre, it’s about humans.
Along the way, were people encouraging or discouraging?
Yes! I’ve been called a lot of things…
Did you ever doubt your decision and attempt a career change?
Every damn day!
When did your career reach a tipping point?
My career exists on a tipping point. That’s why I named my company Blessed Unrest.
Can you describe a challenge you had to overcome?
How many years do you have?
What single skill has proven to be most useful?
Love.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
If I have touched someone, or changed someone, or moved someone, that’s all. I just hope that someone has been moved. Audience, actor, designer, stagehand… I hope that this work brings forth change. I hope that we can see ourselves, and maybe behave better next time.
Any advice for others entering your profession?
Run!
Or call me.
For more information on Jessica, visit her website.
Body Unredacted‘s cast includes Jeanette Bednar, Hilary Brown-Istrefi, Gagarin, Jonathon Qualls, Rachael Richman and Can M. Yasar. The production team includes Shawn Young (Set & Light Design), Beth Lake (Sound Design), Sera Bourgeau (Costume Design), Jackie McCarthy (Intimacy Coordinator), Jenn Allen (Dramaturg & Creative Producer), Lauren Pick (Stage Manager) and Rebecca Whitney Klein (Creative Producer).
To purchase tickets and for more info visit Blessed Unrest.
Top photo: Body Unredacted ensemble – Photo by Bridey Boyle
