Democracy in America (2019)

Romeo Castellucci is one of Europes bestknown directors a firebrand known for productions that are as thoughtprovoking as they are visually stunning He returns to Peak Performances with the American premiere of Democracy in America freely inspired by the work of Alexis de Tocqueville Castellucci conjures majorettes who stir the crowds enthusiasm for democracy in America colonial settlers who confound the native Americans and a puritan couple who struggle to farm a barren land He asks us to consider the empty promises of a political system steeped in Biblical egalitarianism rather than the concept of tragedy so essential to ancient Greek democracy the dangers of majority rule and the inherent violence that springs from religious puritanism and territorial conquests His challenging soulstirring brand of theatrical magic transposes these painful profound ideas into an enticing vibrant celebratory work of art