Live on Stage and Everywhere else
As a performance artist, my focus has been on the mediums of solo and small ensemble theatre, street performance, guerrilla theatre, online video, sketch comedy and essays. I draw from the styles of clown, magic & illusion, commedia dell'arte, theatrical mask and mime.
The shows I've written often explore folklore and American folk heroes. I seek to interpret these characters and stories from the past through a modern sensibility and humor, with progressive and ethical values.
My artistic persona is unabashedly "Southern-fried," folksy, punk rock 'n' roll. I believe that standing at the intersection of Southern hospitality and punk social justice warrior helps me subvert the stereotypes of both.
I believe that theatre and comedy have the power to equalize, interrupt the status quo, and bring together a divided world.
Artist Statement
EMPEROR Norton's Manifest Destiny: An American Tall Tale
Created and Performed by DUSTIN CURRY and NATHALIE FITZSIMONS
In 1859, Joshua Norton of San Francisco declared himself Emperor of the United States of America when the bankrupt merchant lost his mind (he was a casualty of the American Dream, after all). Comedy duo Dustin Curry and Nathalie FitzSimons paint the story of California's strangest eccentric with strokes of broad satire, vaudeville luster and a twang of folk-punk. Emperor Norton's Manifest Destiny is a humorous examination of revisionist history and the skeletons in America's closet.
Emperor Norton's Manifest Destiny was developed at the DELL'ARTE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THEATRE in Blue Lake, CA, and received its World Premiere on May 14, 2021.
SPECIAL THANKS Lauren Wilson, Gabe McKinney, Dell McLain, Spike Foster, Mark Farrell and Dell'Arte's final graduating MFA class--our generous ensemble: JULIETA GARZA, LAURA HART, OZ NAVA and SARA KEI WEGMULLER.
Fiddler's Cave
Inspired by Ozark Mountain Folklore
Created and Performed by DUSTIN CURRY
A world premiere comedy, Fiddler's Cave tells the tale of a lonely fiddle player who finds himself lost and abandoned deep in a cave. He can't seem to remember how he got there and he can't find a way out. Through wordless storytelling, clowning and a bit of theatrical magic, the Fiddler must search his past for answers and find a way home.
Fiddler's Cave received its World Premiere at the FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT THEATRES in Dallas, TX, on July 22, 2017.
Directed by B.J. CLEVELAND
Stage Manager KATIE BROWN
Featuring Music from THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS OZARK FOLKSONG COLLECTION
Additional Music by KEVIN MacLEOD
Also featuring CLAIR DE LUNE by CLAUDE DEBUSSY
SPECIAL THANKS Dallas Children's Theater, Dell McLain, Will James Stacey, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, University of Arkansas Libraries, Edna Gill, Debbie Crawford, Sterling Gafford, Mike Morgan Photography, Inc.
MISTER GReMORY'S CARAVAN OF CURIOSITIES
Created and Performed by DUSTIN CURRY
This darkly funny theatrical magic show is part circus sideshow, part seance, part night of terror (with just a dash of steampunk). Actor, magician and stuntman Dustin Curry plays Mister Gremory, a traveling showman of bizarre magic and eccentric sideshow stunts who must battle the "ghosts of his past"--who may be more alive than dead.
"That scared the piss out of me!" -Kathleen, Audience Member
"Hitchcockian" -Angie Fiedler Sutton, KCStage.com
Mister Gremory's Caravan of Curiosities received its World Premiere at the KANSAS CITY FRINGE FESTIVAL in July 2011 and was further developed with support from SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY. It also ran at the OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL in Durant, OK, and the CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Russellville, AR.
SPECIAL THANKS Dell McLain, Kathleen Hardgrove, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Desha Rankin, Tanner Risner and Nick Growall.
