OPEN EYE MAINSTAGE

INVISIBLE FENCES

Created and performed by Kevin Kling & Gaelynn Lea
July 20 – 23, 2023

Singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea and storyteller-playwright Kevin Kling combine their talents in an original musical fable, which weaves together storytelling and song to create a unique theatrical experience. This production blends their internationally-renowned skills in music and storytelling to create an intimate show that is rich in the wit and wisdom inherent in Disability Culture.

The Largroff (Gaelynn Lea) is a platypus who was born with a spontaneous genetic mutation that caused her to sprout wings, horns and a snout. The Grasshopper (Kevin Kling) lost two of his limbs as a nymph, and is on a quest to get to the city for a peaceful retirement. Together this unlikely pair embarks on a journey where they come face-to-face with different worlds, dangers and dreams. This musical play touches on identity, disability and the stories we tell ourselves. Featuring Kling’s signature poetic word-play, and an array of captivating songs, written and sung by Lea, who plays her violin accompanied on guitar by Jeremy Ylvisaker.

This show will be heavy on fun and adventure, while also centering accessibility and Disability Culture. Every performance will have ASL interpretation as well as projected captioning. There will also be narrated audio descriptions at the beginning of each scene to help blind and low-vision audience members better place themselves in the worlds we are creating.

  • TICKETS

    $26 – General Admission
    $15 – Students
    $10 – Economic Accessibility

    A limited number of $10 Economic Accessibility tickets are available online for all performances. If not sold out, a limited number of pay as able tickets will be available at the door. View our ticketing policy.

    AGE RECOMMENDATION: 8 and up

  • PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

    Thurs., July 20, 7:30pm SOLD OUT
    Fri., July 21, 7:30pm SOLD OUT
    Sat., July 22, 2:00pm SOLD OUT
    Sat., July 22, 7:30pm SOLD OUT
    Sun., July 23, 2:00pm SOLD OUT
    Sun., July 23, 7:30pm SOLD OUT

    RUN TIME: Approximately 90 min.

  • ACCESSIBILITY

    Every performance will have ASL interpretation as well as projected captioning. There will also be narrated audio descriptions at the beginning of each scene.

    Contact us at 612-874-6338 or boxoffice@openeyetheatre.org for accessibility information and requests.

  • COVID PRECAUTIONS

    Masks will be required at all performances of INVISIBLE FENCES. Masks must securely cover the nose and mouth and will be made available for those who arrive without them. Open Eye bases our COVID-19 policies on current health guidelines and requests of our artists. We greatly appreciate your compliance with this policy and thank you for helping to ensure that the show will go on! View policy.

About the Artists

Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. Gaelynn Lea has opened for Wilco, The Decemberists, LOW, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface. Most recently, she composed the music for Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.

Gaelynn Lea is a sought-after public speaker about Disability Rights and accessibility in the arts. She has shared her perspective on PBS NewsHour, On Being with Krista Tippett, The Moth Radio Hour, NowThisThe Science of Happiness Podcast, and via two widely-viewed TEDx Talks. She is currently working on a memoir about her touring adventures and disability advocacy. Learn more.

Kevin Kling

Kevin Kling, is a writer, performer, storyteller and disability advocate. Known for his humorous stories and thoughtful philosophizing, Kevin has performed in libraries, school gymnasiums, The Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters and storytelling festivals around the world.  Kevin was featured in the Emmy Award winning PBS documentary "Kevin Kling: Lost and Found". He has performed regularly at Open Eye, including GREATEST HITS & JUICY BITS, CHICKEN SHIP, TENDER MERCIES, FOUR DIRECTIONS, and many more. Read more about Kevin at kevinkling.com.

 

Visit Open Eye Theatre

506 E. 24th Street
Minneapolis, MN

Free parking is available in the lot on the southeast corner of 24th Street and Portland Avenue, courtesy of Lutheran Social Services.