BSR_S10E02 - The Presented - Chris Davis

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford celebrates the 10th season with guest Chris Davis, discussing the evolution of his work, the current state of the arts, and the significance of theater in today's society. They explore the challenges faced by artists, the importance of community engagement, and the resilience of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Chris shares insights on the future of live theater and the necessity of promoting artistic work to ensure audiences are aware of the vibrant cultural landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a Decade of Podcasting

02:51 The Evolution of 'The Presented'

05:25 Art in a Changing Political Landscape

08:01 The Golden Age of Theater: A Distant Memory?

10:33 The Importance of Art in Society

13:39 The Resilience of the Fringe Festival

16:03 The Future of Live Theater

18:43 Engaging the Community with Art

21:25 The Role of Awareness in Theater Attendance

24:23 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

FROM THE CREATOR OF ONE-MAN NUTCRACKER, AND THE 40-YEAR-OLD BALLERINO

The Golden Age of Theater has ended: grants canceled, theaters shuttered, universities gone bankrupt. Amongst the wrecked landscape comes The Presented. First performed in Philly Fringe 2018, and later Edinburgh 2019, Chris Davis’ The Presented has been updated to address the challenges of making art in 2025 asking: where do we go from here?

The Presented follows Chris, a struggling artist working concessions at a movie theater, who finds himself spiraling into a surreal subconscious journey triggered (naturally) by popping popcorn. On his quest to confront artistic failure and doubt, Chris meets a parade of strange and compelling characters: a disgraced 19th-century actress, a volatile fringe producer, and a very large bear, among others. With wit, physicality, and an always theatrical flair, Davis explores what it means to be a “chosen” artist in today’s world - and why that pursuit might drive you to madness.

Running approximately 50 minutes and directed by MK Tuomanen, The Presented is a genre-bending, laugh-out-loud examination of rejection, ambition, and the darkly funny terrain of the creative mind. Whether you're a fellow artist or just someone who's ever dared to dream big, this show will resonate... and possibly convince you to choose a more stable career.

"the kind of innovative spirit that the Fringe was originally created to showcase."
- The List ★★★★

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-presented/