NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BARBARA COLACIELLO:

The Show Must Go On. I hate that I have to do this. Given the mounting momentum of Covid in our community, I am forced to rethink how I'm going to present OPEN HEART (ed).

Many of you have reached out expressing your concerns about the delta variant and I share those concerns. After much consideration, I feel it would be irresponsible of me to invite all of you into my space for LIVE performances. This truly pains me not to be able to share my story IN PERSON (you know how much I love to talk…and talk.)
We have a solution. You’re now about to witness BABS’ first Netflix special. Okay, it ’s not Netflix but it is special.

You WILL get to experience a virtual immersion of the play through a password protected link. It will be easy to access with available tech support. You will have the choice to watch the play at a designated time interacting with others in amchat room OR on demand. Either way, it is the safest thing to do. More details will be available mid-week.

To be clear, I am not canceling the show I am changing how it will be viewed. I hope you remain enthusiastic about seeing this new piece. I am grateful for your continued support.

Please feel free to still purchase tickets.

BABS’LAB is proud to present

OPEN HEART(ed)

conceived and performed by Barbara Colaciello

DATES: VIrtual Performances
TIME: 8 PM Performance 7:15 PM Doors Open for Exhibit
WHERE: BABS’LAB, 603 King St., CoRK Arts District North, 603 King Street.

Through receiving a 2020 Art Ventures Individual Artist Grant from the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, OPEN HEART (ed) investigates the subjects of caregiving, as well as women’s heart health, through the lens of an artist using the powerful—and healing—medium of storytelling.

As an artist, open heart survivor, and caregiver for her now 99-year-old mother, Colaciello examines the complex dance of self-care with caregiving through the use of nuanced discourse which counters the limited national narrative on these subjects.

This powerhouse performance contains the makings of an Italian family drama, exploring universal themes of humanity while Colaciello's quirky humor undercuts the serious content and proves a stirring and evocative narrative.

OPEN HEARTED(ed) is a visual theatrical experience inviting audience members into the four "chambers of Barbara's heart”. The audience's immersion into the site-specific set design unveils the environment as the story is told. A visual soundscape designed by WILLIE EVANS, Jr. provides an impressive and engaging complement to the performance.

Barbara empathetically navigates internalized grief and its external effects, challenges her spirituality, and finds acceptance during this aesthetically stunning stage journey.

"The Angst and Art Of Caregiving Exhibit" curated by Deborah Reid accompanies the play and embellishes the experiential component of "OPEN HEART(ed). Reflecting on the act of caregiving through the artist's experience, the exhibit is in CoRK Arts District North Gallery.

ARTISTS

Mary Atwood

Mark Creegan

Desiree Davis

Keith Doles

Lori Guadagno

Margete Griffin

Rachel Swanzy Hunt

Cheryl McCain

Tammy McKinley

Hiromi Moneyhun

Elena Ohlander

Patti Peeples

Deborah Reid

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

Now in its 57th year, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org) is Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation. The Foundation works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community — helping donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helping nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helping people come together to make the community a better place. The Foundation has more than $546 million in assets and has made grants in excess of $600 million since 1964.

ABOUT BAB’S

Barbara Colaciello, the Founder and Artistic Director of BABS’LAB, a training and performance center offering storytelling events, classes, and workshops, began her career working with Andy Warhol for six years as the Advertising Director of Warhol’s magazine, Interview. A 2013 TEDxJacksonville Speaker, Barbara was voted Best Actor by Folio Weekly’s 2016 Best of Jax readership. In 2018, Colaciello received a PNC Arts Alive Grant in partnership with the Florida Theatre to produce and direct an anti-bullying play for Title 1 schools in Duval County.

WHERE: BABS’LAB, 603 King St., CoRK Arts District North.

For more information e-mail Barbara at babslab@barbaracolaciello.com