Babel was a site-oriented devised performance developed by students from the University of Maryland. This piece was devised in an association with the experimental theatre company Almost Human – an international company operating between the United Kingdom and Canada. The piece was initially performed during Second Season in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library.
The tour of Babel was primarily meant to provide the participating University of Maryland students with an experience of the rigors involved in touring work internationally. Furthermore, it was also intended to expose students to educational opportunities outside of the United States, and to begin a dialogue with institutions interested in artistic international collaboration.
With this is mind, students set out for a tour across three countries in Europe. The entire journey lasted from May 22nd to July 3rd over a total of 9,218 miles. The destinations were Prague, Berlin, Rochester, Shrewsbury, and Barnstaple. To provide a broad experience for those involved the tour was bookended by two curated fringe festivals, while three independent venues were selected for the other locations. The project was in an association with the libraries of Universität der Kunst Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin; The University for Creative Arts, Rochester and Rochester Library; University of Chester, Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Library; as well as Barnstaple Public Library. Cost that were covered by IPCCR included travel, accommodation, and transportation.
As a short summary; approximately 470 people viewed the work. The students were able to have direct conversations with over 20 professional working artists, along over 50 young artists in the early stages of their careers, and visit four university settings.