The LIMINAL Series

Li / min/ al : a transitional or initial stage of a process.

This series aims to support artists in the in between; the space between idea and result. So much of traditional art making and production is at the mercy of strict timelines, financial ‘bottom’ lines and programming beholden to tickets sales. By liberating this process from those exclusionary parameters we are producing art in a more equitable and accessible way; we are reinventing how, who and what gets created, produced and witnessed in our communities and we are bringing important, transformative stories to life in The LIMINAL Series.

IN THE STUDIO

Ritual

Created and Performed By Aberdeen Stuart

What is it like to grow up in a high-demand cult like group?

Ritual reflects on a childhood spent in Masonic lodges and performing ritual works. Reaching across decades to examine what truths we can still find within, Aberdeen weaves their lived experience with stories from their two siblings and two grandmothers, all past members. Looking closely at the gender roles and expectations as they pressurize over time. Secrets will be revealed as Aberdeen takes long lost power back into their hands. This pieces moves through the theatrical space authentically and bring to life their unique perspective with urgency. A reckoning, a remembering of what it takes to leave.

COMING TO FROM THE GROUND UP NEW WORKS FESTIVAL JULY 2026

Now is the Envy of the Dead

Created and Performed By: S Recavarren Franco

What is real? Are monsters something to fear? What about hallways? Can anyone (including life coaches) help you?

"BESTíA" is a delirious solo-show that flips between direct address storytelling, shadow puppets, stand up comedy, dance routines and poetry. A story that traverses through and beyond language, time, ancestors, nightmares and monsters, Franco circles three different realms in their quest to find answers to the question that haunts them. What is real? 

This whimsically dark comedy inspired by the writer's battles with depression and suicidal ideation intends to bring Franco, and the audience, closer to the truth, by taking us on a surreal jaunt through memory, heartbreak and the capricious delusions– err, the hope– that helps us cope with it all.

COMING TO FROM THE GROUND UP NEW WORKS FESTIVAL JULY 2026

CHEMO BRAIN

Created by: Kathleen Cahill

"Chemo Brain" is the working title of a project which is meant to be a truthful, irreverent, dramatic portrait of being a cancer patient. Kathleen became curious about creating this new work in the throes of a second bout with the disease, when she began to look for writing about cancer which would help her understand (and accept) what life as a cancer patient is really like. But the search was fruitless - where was she to go for guidance, for understanding, for help, how was she to find peace with the big C and if and when the time came, to die from it. Well, she has lived to tell the tell of it all - from a deep desire -- a need -- not to hide from the disease but to understand and face it. Kathleen combine science, language, emotion, experience. And (of course) gallows humor - into a striking new work that will grab you right at the center.

COMING TO FROM THE GROUND UP NEW WORKS FESTIVAL JULY 2026