THE KO FESTIVAL OF PERFORMANCE, a program of Ko Theater Works, is a festival of ideas — where the only certainty is surprise. Our performances value diversity, authenticity, and are curated to incite curiosity and to provoke compelling conversations with global, national local, and personal resonances. Ko is named for the 49th hexagram of the I CHING, the ancient Chinese Book of Changes. “Ko,” or “Revolution” can be visualized as a shedding of skin, a sloughing off of the old.
THE KO FESTIVAL OF PERFORMANCE has emerged as a theater company unlike any other in the Pioneer Valley, attracting both award-winning talent and dedicated audience members hungry to engage in thought-provoking, groundbreaking work.
Right now we believe that we are at a special moment in our country’s history. So this year we have curated our 26th season on the theme of “TACTICS FOR TRYING TIMES.” We’ll present 5 weeks of original work created by the artists who come to Ko. Lively discussions follow the performances and provide opportunities for community dialogue and brainstorming. We’ll also be also be offering our Annual Summer Story Slam, the return of the METTAWEE RIVER THEATER COMPANY’s all-ages outdoor event with masks, puppets & live music plus:
- A unique array of 6-day workshops
- Facilitated discussions and lobby displays that contextualize the ideas presented in each piece in an effort to engender inter-audience/artist exchange.
- An interactive installation created by Kali Quinn, so that all may contribute to the thematic thinking.
- Rehearsal residencies where individual artists or ensembles can develop new work
- Internships for college students and young theater professionals
