In 2011, Motus Theater was established in response to the history of struggle among marginalized groups in Boulder County and beyond. The group took its cue from Kirsten Wilson’s multimedia project Rocks Karma Arrows, which premiered at Boulder’s Sesquicentennial in 2009 and examined the area’s history through an intersectional lens. Motus concentrates on creating original stage productions to foster discussion of important contemporary issues.
“Motus Theater has always been a space where art and activism intertwine,” says artistic director Kirsten Wilson. “Our theater serves as a transformative vehicle for societal change, igniting critical conversations through storytelling.”
Although Motus initially concentrated on issues of race and class, its primary focus has since shifted towards immigration issues. The company’s fall schedule features a mix of improv and scripted events in Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, Denver, and Washington, D.C.
“This fall, we are thrilled to put center stage people whose stories have been put to the margins as the protagonists in the American drama,” Wilson says. “Whether it’s breaking down barriers for transgender and non-binary people, advocating for the formerly incarcerated, or empowering the undocumented community, our season reflects the tapestry of America’s most pressing issues.”
“Motus is not just about performance; it’s about engagement,” Wilson says. “From Playback Improv Theater nights to special collaborations, we offer a multitude of ways for the community to be part of these important conversations … and it’s designed to capture a broad array of community experiences.”
On Nov. 12 at eTown Hall, Motus will present the world premiere of TRANSformative Stories. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the evening will feature autobiographical monologues that elevate the joy of transgender and non-binary people as they navigate the difficulties of liberation.
“I have been working intimately with the people in the transgender and non-binary performance group, and right now, they are in the early cocoon stage of their stories,” Wilson says. “I have no idea which one they will choose; we are right now in the juicy part where they get to choose what wisdom they will distribute to the community. If you attend a Motus experience, you will be able to see how storytelling and sharing can reveal the complexities of one’s own humanity.”
