What does it mean to call Charlotte “home?” That’s the question “Kudzu: A Story of Belonging” is working to address in a new, 55-minute production.
Why “kudzu?” The invasive vine can be spotted across the Queen City, much like apartments and smaller homes for sale or rent, yet many are outside a single person’s price range.
“In this show, we’re imagining the future by exploring the nuances of the present housing crisis,” said director Kat Martin. “In a time when 113 people move to Charlotte every day and 55 Charlotteans are evicted daily, what myths do we want to believe?”
The show combines theater, music, and art by walking 10 guests through an Enderly Park home. The audience is surrounded by the cast — a person packing, a home flipper, and real estate agent — blurring the lines between audience and participant in the center of a housing crisis.
“Each room has its own experience that is revealing a facet of Charlotte’s housing realities. It’s basically art imitating life,” added Martin.
The takeaway from the show — empowerment. “You’re going through this experience with 10 humans, you’re going to have a bond with these people even if you never exchanged a word. “
The show at QC Family Tree’s Big Blue House begins Thursday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 1. Tickets are $28.
