“Democracy’s Last Hurrah?” Opening Day

Join us at Transformer to celebrate the opening of “Democracy’s Last Hurrah?”

Transformer is honored to present artists from DC’s Pointless Theatre in a ‘creation lab’ at our 1404 P St. NW space this summer, as they engage community in the artistry of puppet-making and the historic use of puppets in story-telling. Focusing on themes of democracy, Democracy’s Last Hurrah? will emphasize the transformative potential of art, and how artists & community play an active role in shaping social change. The exhibition and series of artist-led programs stress the importance of democracy through contemplation on its potential loss.

Established in 2009, Pointless Theatre Co. is dedicated to creating bold, visceral, and affordable spectacles that gleefully smash the traditional boundaries between puppetry, theater, dance, music, and the visual arts. Transformer will support a group of artists who are part of Pointless Theatre in advancing their work to new audiences, building synergy between our organizations, and highlighting an artform that Pointless Theatre is continuing to evolve.

Utilizing puppetry, dance, performance art actions, drag, drumming and more, Transformer in collaboration with artists of Pointless Theatre and community participants, will promote the value of all voices in creative dialogue about democracy and how we can better lift up those that are most marginalized. Democracy’s Last Hurrah? will culminate with an artist-led parade in Logan Circle Park on September 7. All public programs leading up to the parade will emphasize the transformative ‘power of art’ to drive social change through community organized artistic expression and cultural engagement. Through our community and peer partnerships, Transformer continues to drive cross-cultural collaboration and equity values to elevate the craft and ideas of emerging artists as vital contributions to a healthy democracy.