Boone area activist, artist and producer Alistair Burke is trying to bring his original production to Boone – the only conflict is he might not have the funds.
Parent company Star of the Sea Studios needs to raise $7,500 by Sunday, Oct. 7 in order to fully cover production costs for “Dragons in the Mountain”. As of press time, the production has raised $3,170 of their $7,500 goal – less than half.
“We’re looking for patrons who will support our efforts for the arts and local community theater.” Burke said.
The money collected is going directly towards the building of the elaborate sets, puppets and costumes.
“Dragons in the Mountain” is a visionary story of a journey through mythic Appalachian mountains. It follows a modern-day environmental activist as he rediscovers the character of the Appalachian mountains – and the people and creatures that live there.
While the whole thing seems a little fantastical for North Carolina mountain culture, Burke said the community has welcomed the unconventional work.
“The faculty have been incredibly inviting and generous with their time and talent,” Burke said.
And the community is indirectly involved and addressed throughout the production.
“Incorporating the community in a healing process through the arts is something that we often discuss and try to offer, but what this performance is able to do is extraordinary,” Erin Rice, graduate clinical mental health counseling student and participant in the show said.
Star of the Sea hopes to build off of this initial capital though box office profits.
“Making art is a lot more sustainable than purchasing art,” music professor Liz Rose said.
The producers hope to keep this project self-sustainable in order to put on a show every two years.
If the funds are raised in time, the production will be at the Broyhill Events Center Oct. 26 and 27- if he can afford it.
Tickets for “Dragon in the Mountains” are available by calling 1-800-841-ARTS or at the Valborg Theatre on campus.
To donate to the cause and learn more, search for “Dragons in the Mountain” at kickstarter.com
Story: LOVEY COOPER, Intern A&E Reporter