New Devised Theatre Work Explores Voting and Democracy Amidst Post-Election Fallout
The University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance invites audiences to Voice Vote, a brand-new devised theatre piece that investigates the themes of voting and democracy through the perspectives of university students. Created collaboratively with the cast, Voice Vote utilizes documentary theatre methods, devised techniques, and contemporary storytelling modes, weaving together movement, personal writing, and creative imagery.
“Voice Vote is a new performance created by UNM theatre students who interviewed community members about the impact of voting.” Says Juli Hendren, the plays director. “Inspired by these interviews and working in image-based theatre, choreography, and personal writing, Voice Vote is a collection of stories, emotions, and actions through the lens of theatre students, as they navigate what it is to be an artist and a United States citizen.”
In devised theatre, the script originates not from a single playwright but through a collaborative and often improvisational process involving the performers themselves. This process eliminates traditional hierarchies, blurring the lines between director, playwright, and actor. Each participant becomes a co-creator, contributing scenes, characters, and dialogue, while engaging in a collective exploration of justice, fairness, and the radical power of voice.
Voice is central to this work:
“Voice is life’s thriving—supported by breath, or gesture, or intimate intuition. Voice is a radical tool for discovering relationships. Relationships want justice—fair exchange. Voice votes.”
Through Voice Vote, UNM Theatre and Dance seeks to ask and explore critical questions:
How do we vote?
How does voting matter?
What will we do to preserve justice?
This timely and evocative production invites audiences to reflect on their own role in democracy and the importance of collective action.
Join us for this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, where storytelling meets social inquiry, and art meets citizenship.
Performance Dates: December 6th and 7th at 7:30pm, December 8th at 2:00pm
Location: The Experimental Theatre
Free Admission
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