ODC Theater: Black Benatar vs. the Cistem: Open Court

Originally presented by ODC Theater as part of the State of Play Festival, Black Benatar vs. the Cistem: A Hysterecto-Mystery continues its development toward a full production. This special event offers audiences a chance to experience the next evolution of the work, explore newly developed material, and engage directly with the artists shaping its future. Created and performed by Beatrice L. Thomas (Black Benatar), Black Benatar vs. the Cistem is a genre-bending solo theater work that combines drag, puppetry, comedy, movement, and courtroom drama to investigate reproductive justice, medical bias, bodily autonomy, and the cost of being unseen within the healthcare system. Audience members will: • Experience newly developed excerpts from the evolving script • Learn what has changed since the State of Play presentation and what is being built next • Meet the creative team behind the production • Hear from puppeteer Aureen Almario about the creation of the show’s anatomical puppets and larger-than-life characters • Get up close with costumes, wearable sculptures, props, and character designs • Meet guest choreographers developing movement and dance sequences for the production • Be among the first to experience the debut of a new performance number from the show • Participate in a conversation about the artistic process, reproductive justice storytelling, and building a theatrical world from lived experience Part reading. Part artist salon. Part theatrical laboratory. All rise. The court is now in session. Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes. Includes: Performance excerpts, artist talks, design showcase, and audience discussion.