Artistic Statement

Theater is, of course, a place for entertainment; a play entertains. The act of theater creates a sacred space where transformation occurs - not only for the artists involved, but especially for the audience. Theater has the power to heal — bringing people together for a common shared experience, to laugh, to cry, to learn and, perhaps, to have a personal revelation or catharsis. As a theater artist, I create theater that is a channel for healing. As a performer, I am a channel, a conduit, through which healing can take place.
As a solo theater artist, I chose to bring to life the stories of marginalized or forgotten women from the past, viewed through a contemporary lens. Rather than being angry that I wasn’t taught about these remarkable, accomplished, brave women in any of my schooling, I chose to do something about it: share their stories. The audience is my scene partner for these plays, and my characters speak directly to and engage the audience in the story I am telling. I employ extensive research and gather primary sources that I weave into an engaging story set at a pivotal moment in the character’s life (or, occasionally, their after life). Channelling their actual words, I bridge the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and its relevance to contemporary issues. Prior to a performance, audience members may apologize for not knowing about the woman I will portray; after the performance, they tell me that they can’t wait to learn more.

As a playwright of multi-character plays, I weave together women-centered stories and magical realism as a way to explore universal themes of love and longing. Rooted in stories of interrupted daily life, my characters explore their inner truths and discover Possibility.

My work often encompasses theater for social change. I am ‘at home’ when theater - aside from its magic and beauty - addresses social issues, exposes injustices, and inspires action. Common themes are women’s issues, anti-racism, equality, wellness and more. By exploring these issues in my work, I aim to empower audiences to become agents of change in their own communities.
I enjoy taking my audience members on an emotional roller coaster ride of highs and lows, the humorous and the painful — a journey that ends with a positive revelation. A call to action to be our best selves.

I have never been athletic — theater is my ‘team sport.’ Theater is a communal act, a gathering where stories are told and experiences are shared. It is in this communal space that I find the essence of healing. Each performance is an opportunity to create a shared experience that transcends the ordinary, allowing both performers and audience members to connect with their inner selves and with each other, providing a space for personal and social change.
As a theater artist, I am committed to using my craft to foster connection, promote healing, and illuminate the path towards a more equitable and socially just world.

Emma Palzere-Rae

Artistic Statement

Theater is, of course, a place for entertainment; a play entertains. The act of theater creates a sacred space where transformation occurs - not only for the artists involved, but especially for the audience. Theater has the power to heal — bringing people together for a common shared experience, to laugh, to cry, to learn and, perhaps, to have a personal revelation or catharsis. As a theater artist, I create theater that is a channel for healing. As a performer, I am a channel, a conduit, through which healing can take place.
As a solo theater artist, I chose to bring to life the stories of marginalized or forgotten women from the past, viewed through a contemporary lens. Rather than being angry that I wasn’t taught about these remarkable, accomplished, brave women in any of my schooling, I chose to do something about it: share their stories. The audience is my scene partner for these plays, and my characters speak directly to and engage the audience in the story I am telling. I employ extensive research and gather primary sources that I weave into an engaging story set at a pivotal moment in the character’s life (or, occasionally, their after life). Channelling their actual words, I bridge the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and its relevance to contemporary issues. Prior to a performance, audience members may apologize for not knowing about the woman I will portray; after the performance, they tell me that they can’t wait to learn more.

As a playwright of multi-character plays, I weave together women-centered stories and magical realism as a way to explore universal themes of love and longing. Rooted in stories of interrupted daily life, my characters explore their inner truths and discover Possibility.

My work often encompasses theater for social change. I am ‘at home’ when theater - aside from its magic and beauty - addresses social issues, exposes injustices, and inspires action. Common themes are women’s issues, anti-racism, equality, wellness and more. By exploring these issues in my work, I aim to empower audiences to become agents of change in their own communities.
I enjoy taking my audience members on an emotional roller coaster ride of highs and lows, the humorous and the painful — a journey that ends with a positive revelation. A call to action to be our best selves.

I have never been athletic — theater is my ‘team sport.’ Theater is a communal act, a gathering where stories are told and experiences are shared. It is in this communal space that I find the essence of healing. Each performance is an opportunity to create a shared experience that transcends the ordinary, allowing both performers and audience members to connect with their inner selves and with each other, providing a space for personal and social change.
As a theater artist, I am committed to using my craft to foster connection, promote healing, and illuminate the path towards a more equitable and socially just world.