The George Project
THE GEORGE PROJECT: A Liberation Through Hearing
An Audio Play
Inspired by and adapted from Emilio Cruz’s
"When This War Is Over, You’re Going to Get It George"
Directed by Juli Crockett
Composed by Michael Feldman
“Art should alarm to awaken, causing us to ponder through bewildering exaltation.”
—Emilio Cruz
In a seven-part audio play, director Juli Crockett adapts Emilio Cruz’s 1975 anti-war, Artaud-inspired text When This War Is Over, You’re Going to Get It George into an immersive sonic experience. Through a not-quite old-fashioned radio drama, listeners undergo a guided vision quest in which sound is both a tool for healing and a weapon of war.
Crockett and her collaborator Michael Feldman place Cruz’s text in an enveloping, spatialized soundscape that conjures a mythic battlefield of mind and body. Veering from ASMR stimulations and soothing sound baths, to echoes of sonic brainwashing and low-frequency attacks, this week-long series offers a ritualized meditation on the brutal logic of war, and on humankind’s capacity to endure, or exploit, the most depraved and hopeless of circumstances.
Audiences are encouraged to use headphones for the optimal sonic experience, and set aside some time to immerse themselves in the radical art of listening.
Produced by CalArts Center for New Performance.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director, Juli Crockett
Composer, Michael Feldman
Performer, Isabella Boose
Performer, Shaughn Buchholz
Performer, Hakan Cosar
Performer, Vidushi Chadha
Performer, Danesh Naghibzad
Performer, Grace Protzmann
Stage Manager, Irene Dong-hee Lee
PRODUCTION HISTORY:
The George Project encompasses a series of digital and live explorations of Emilio Cruz’s When This War Is Over, You’re Going to Get It George, ©1975 Patricia Cruz / Estate of Emilio Cruz. Residency and early-stage development produced in association with Loose Change Productions. Special thanks to Carey Lovelace, John Breen, and Pat Cruz.
A special preview of The George Project was heard as part of Sequesterfest Vol. 8: Emilio Cruz & Dick Higgins, presented by Corbett vs. Dempsey, Chicago.
The George Project was presented as an installation as part of soundpedro2025: chthonic at Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro, CA with speaker installation by Martin Gimenez.
Martin Gimenez is a Los Angeles based sonic mischief maker who wants you to get excited more about https://involveaudio.com than his past works… When he’s not making things louder he can be found riding roller coasters or in the bleachers of Wrigley Field.
WORKSHOP PRODUCTION (Dec 2019)
CalArts Center for New Performance in association with Loose Change Productions presented a workshop of When This War Is Over, You’re Going to Get It George written by Emilio Cruz and directed by Juli Crockett.
The play is a ‘60s-style, political, Artaud-inspired “open theatre” meditation on the brutal logic of warfare and the capacity of humankind to endure (or exploit) the most depraved and hopeless of circumstances.
An African-American born of Cuban descent, Emilio Cruz continued deliberation on the mythic dimensions of human experience and expression carried through his multiple identities and activities as a visual artist, poet, playwright, and musician.
Director: Juli Crockett
Choreographer: Spenser Theberge
Composer: Micheal Feldman
Stage Manager: Irene Dong-hee Lee
Lighting Designer: Leslie Crapster-Pregont
Performers (December 2019 Workshop)
Shaughn Buchholz (Alumni)
Isabella Boose (Alumni)
Vidushi Chadha (Student)
Hakan Cosar (Student)
Rebecca Lerman (Student)
Stacia Marcum (Student)
K. Mercedes (Student)
Danesh Naghibzad (Student)
Grace Protzmann (Student)
Gabriel Rivas (Student)
ARTIST BIOS
Hakan Coşar (Morgan) is an Istanbul-based actor, voice artist, and theatre maker with over three decades of experience. He began his career at the age of eight with the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), later performing in radio theatre productions. After earning a degree in Journalism, he graduated at the top of his class from Bilkent University’s Theatre Department and went on to receive his MFA in Acting from CalArts as a Fulbright Scholar.
In addition to his work on stage and behind the microphone, Hakan has taught acting and voice at conservatory levels, sharing his expertise with the next generation of performers. He has worked extensively in dubbing for animation series, films, and audiobooks, alongside a vibrant career in theatre and voice performance.
With a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary theatre, Hakan is currently focused on expanding his presence on stage in Turkey and internationally, while developing original projects that blend theatre, music, and personal storytelling.
Grace Protzmann (Carol/Doug) (She/They) is a comedian, actor and writer. A CalArts graduate and current student at The Groundlings school. The George Project is an incredibly special piece of work and they are so excited to see it come to life.
The George Project - Who Are You?
Theatrical Props. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - First Kiss
Pictured: K. Mercedes (background), Isabella Boose, and Shaughn Buchholz. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Chairs and Wood
From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Shrouds and Golf Clubs
From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - The Wedding
Pictured: Performers Isabella Boose and Shaughn Buchholz. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge.
The George Project - Hambone
Pictured: Isabella Boose, Hakan Cosar, Danesh Naghibzad, and company. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Platoon
Pictured: Danesh Naghibzad (foreground), Vidushi Chadha, Grace Protzmann, Rebecca Lerman, Isabella Boose, Hakan Cosar, and K. Mercedes. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Hands
Pictured: Choreographer Spenser Theberge with performer Rebecca Lerman and Hand. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Making a Man
Pictured: (from left) Isabella Boose, Hakan Cosar, Danesh Naghibzad, Gabriel Rivas, Grace Protzmann, K. Mercedes, Rebecca Lerman. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - The Phone
From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Bride and Groom
Pictured: Isabella Boose and Shaughn Buchholz. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Don't Shoot
Pictured: Danesh Naghibzad and Isabella Boose (Hakan Cosar, holding gun, out of frame). From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Shirley's Lament
Pictured: Isabella Boose (foreground), Shaughn Buchholz, and Company. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - George Hope
Pictured: Shaughn Buchholz (foreground), Isabella Boose (left), DanFrom the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Wood/Wait
Pictured: Gabriel Rivas. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Soldier George
Pictured: Gabriel Rivas as George. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Spenser Spectre
Pictured: Spenser Theberge. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - The Bride
Pictured: Isabella Boose. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Direction
Pictured: Performer Hakan Cosar getting direction from Director Juli Crockett. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Ensemble Antics
From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Focus
Performer Vidushi Chadha. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Danesh Naghibzad
Pictured: Danesh Naghibzad. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Ensemble Assemblage
Ensemble Assemblage. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Director with Bodies
Director Juli Crockett. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Leg Action
Pictured: Choreographer Spenser Theberge finesses the leg choreography. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Rehearsal
Pictured: Performer Isabella Boose and Director Juli Crockett. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Door Jam
Pictured: Performer K. Mercedes. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Attention
Pictured: Hakan Cosan (background), K. Mercedes, Gabriel Rivas, Grace Protzmann, Danesh Naghibzad. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Choreographer Spenser Theberge
Pictured: Choreographer Spenser Theberge. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Composer Michael Feldman
Composer Michael Feldman. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Stage Manager Irene Dong-hee Lee
From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.
The George Project - Ensemble
The Ensemble. From the workshop of Emilio Cruz’s The George Project (CNP/Loose Change Productions) at CalArts, December 2019. Director Juli Crockett. Choreographer Spenser Theberge. Photographs by John Fitzpatrick.