Bonjour,

“Border Crisis” is now playing. It’s been getting great response from both critics and audiences. If you haven’t yet seen it, make your reservations today!

“What’s a good patriotic family that just wants to quietly live its life to do when the government shows up with an international crisis and demands compliance? It’s a question City Garage explores in absurdist fashion with Border Crisis….Anyone who follows today’s news will recognize elements such as family members being separated and deported, censorship, ever-changing and convoluted regulations and a growing division over what is fascism versus what is reasonable government interference in the name of security.” — The Argonaut

“One of the best theatre companies in the greater Los Angeles area…As per usual [for City Garage), very topical, especially portraying an increasingly authoritarian situation which overwhelms a seemingly very ordinary family, literally turning their home into a multizone militarized area, with armed guards demanding paperwork for leaving or entering pretty much any room, or part of a room. At its best, this polemic works very well….Angela Beyer and Gifford Irvine [in multiple roles] steal every single moment they are on stage, not only because their characters represent genuine threats, but their own presences which gives them so much power….The ending in particular delivers a gut punch….Bravo/brava to everyone including Director Frederique Michel! — The World Through Night Tinted Glasses

“A very black comedy by Charles A. Duncombe that tells the story of an ordinary family suddenly confronting a change in the nature of democracy, trying to conform to what the new government requires….Is this the end of democracy as it was once known? Nothing in this program is treated as overly heavy handed. Those that lean red, blue, or whatever color will find this production a call for action, although you can decide which action is called for.” — Accessibly Live Off-Line

You can buy tickets now!

Border Crisis
An absurdist comedy by Charles A. Duncombe
Based on The House on the Border by Sławomir Mrożek
As translated by Pavel Rybak-Rudzki

An average American family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international border dispute. As the crisis unfolds, their home is invaded by a succession of government agents, diplomats, and border guards who quickly turn everything upside down. The family–good, loyal citizens who just want to get along and be left alone—try their best to comply. But with the ever-more complicated rules, regulations, and the demands of a new authoritarian order, they find it harder and harder to do the right thing. Based on Sławomir Mrożek’s absurdist classic The House on the Border, this zany black comedy takes a biting, satirical look at contemporary national politics and the questions we face from both right and left in a turbulent, uncertain time.

(Click on images to enlarge)

Fall Fundraising – We Need You!

We’re happy to tell you that we’ve just received three new grants: two from the City of Santa Monica, and one from the County of Los Angeles for a total of $23,350. This is wonderful news indeed. In a time when funding for the arts is reduced or eliminated, we feel very grateful for this support. But they are matching grants, which means that to receive the full value of these awards, we need to match them from our own contributors.

Can you please help us match these grants with your contribution, large or small?

In a world where censorship and control can feel pervasive, supporting the arts is an act of resistance. Please help us continue our good work at a time when alternative voices are more important than ever. You can make a gift online. If you prefer, you can also send a check to:

City Garage
Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave. T1
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Merci to these kind patrons who have already contributed. Thanks to them, we’ve already raised our $5,570 toward our goal! Please join them in supporting the work at City Garage.
Emyr Gravell
William Gray Jr.
Jay Bevin
Barbara Beyer
Lindsey Carlsen
Ralph Radebaugh
Anonymous
Michele & Curt Wittig
Shelia and Milton Hyman
Geraldine Fuentes

Merci,
Frederique, Charles, Archie, and everyone at City Garage