BITFest Company Spotlight: Fool House Art Collective

Mar 17

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Name:: Fool House Art Collective Website: foolhouse.online Contact: foolhouseoregon@gmail.com

About Fool House Art Collective

Hey there! Welcome to Fool House Art Collective! We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, and we’re all about celebrating and sharing the amazing cultures of various regions right here in the Pacific Northwest.

Our mission? To create innovative, experimental, immersive, and physical theater that really connects with our community.We’re passionate about preserving cultural heritage and enriching local cultural life. We believe that theater is a powerful way to promote understanding between different cultures and bring people together.

So, if you’re into dynamic storytelling and want to explore the rich tapestry of human experiences, you’re in the right place! Join us as we dive into exciting performances that celebrate the arts and the diverse cultures that make our world so vibrant!

How did your company start, and what inspires the work you do?

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, when boredom threatened to take over the world, we decided to fight back in the most theatrical way possible—by founding our own company! To keep ourselves busy, we started rehearsing our first play as a promenade performance, turning ordinary walks into unexpected theatrical adventures. Some of our first audience members probably had no idea they were witnessing the birth of great art. Before we knew it, we were staging one production after another, as if the world had always been our stage!

What kind of theater do you specialize in?

We love it all and are open to everything! Our theater embraces a mix of styles—whether it’s classical, contemporary, devised, immersive, or experimental. We’re always excited to explore new forms and unexpected ways to bring stories to life.

What show are you bringing to the festival, and why did you choose it?

We’re bringing Christmas at Ivanovs by Alexander Vvedensky to the festival—one of the best plays of the 20th century, especially in the realm of Russian avant-garde theater. We chose this piece because of its unique blend of absurdity and deep philosophical reflections. It’s a play that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, and we believe it will resonate with both new and seasoned theatergoers.

How would you describe this production in just a few words?

Absurd, philosophical, and irresistibly unconventional.

What should audiences expect from this performance?

Audiences can expect a deep visual and auditory shock—an immersive, surreal experience that will captivate the senses and leave them questioning reality.

Is there anything unique or special about your approach to this production?

We are all about uniqueness.

What has the creative process been like for this production?

Total mess as always.

Have there been any exciting or unexpected challenges during rehearsals?

Yes, one of the most exciting challenges has been working with a real, live dog on stage! It’s unpredictable, and every rehearsal is a new adventure as we learn how to integrate the dog’s natural instincts into the performance. It’s added an element of surprise and spontaneity that has really pushed our creativity and timing.

What’s something about this production that audiences might not know?

We still don’t know exactly how many characters are in our play—counting them turned out to be more difficult than we expected.

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the festival?

We’re looking forward to meeting new friends—fellow artists, theater lovers, and creative minds who share our passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of theater.

Why do you think theater festivals are important for the arts community?

Festivals are a celebration - Fool House Art Collective is so grateful for the opportunity to take part in one—thank you for giving us this amazing gift!

If someone has never seen your company’s work before, what should they know about you?

With Fool House , you can laugh and cry—our performances offer both joy and depth. We create a safe and comfortable space where you can fully immerse yourself in the experience, knowing that you’re in good hands.