AIN’T THAT RICH
Written & Performed by Kate Robards
Developed with David Ford
Directed by Keiran King
Light/Soundboard Operator: Alexa Almira
October 20 – December 2, 2017 | San Francisco
Fridays at 8pm | Saturdays at 8:30pm
Winner First Place Maui Fringe | Audience Choice Maui Fringe | Theasy Best Bet 2017 | Best of 2016 Capital Fringe DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Robards takes us to the heart of how money and its real value is often misrepresented in America.” –Theatrius
“A winning comedy on money, class, and identity…truly impressive.” –Anya Leibovitch, Montreal Theatre Hub
“She shocks us wonderfully.” — Theatrius
“In ‘Ain’t That Rich,’ writer and comedian Kate Robards delivers a dazzling solo performance, one as mesmerizing and powerful as it is funny.” –-DCMetroTheaterArts
“Like a well-made vodka punch, Kate Roabrds’ well-made story sneaks up on you. It starts out as a lighthearted account of how she married rich and ends up as a discomforting meditation on the relationship between money and self-image. Particularly now, as we agonize over issues of money and class and race, her story packs an unexpected wallop.” –DC Theater Scene
“Animated and engaging…self-deprecating humour and insightful wisdom.” –Lisa Sproull, Cult #MLT
“Robards is an engaging performer with an easy, natural presence onstage.” –Broadwayworld.com
Show Description
Kate grew up “poor.” She thinks her husband is “rich.” His family says that’s not a nice word. As Kate straddles two different extreme ways of life, she realizes what money can and cannot buy, including the possible salvation for a loved one.
Ain’t That Rich 20171005 from Kate Robards on Vimeo.
Special Opening Act:
Comedian Ali Littman will open the show all nights except November 3, November 4, November 24, & November 25.
“The best stand up gets at who we really are before we have time to stop ourselves. It’s that moment when a person realizes they can experience something true, without worrying about being judged by their peers, and more importantly, themselves. That is what true comedy lives.” –Ali Littman
Post-Show TalkBacks
Friday, November 24: Talkback with Cory Vangeler & Kate Robards
Cory is an Emotional Literacy Facilitator and has been leading conversations about the psychological effects of class and race for more than a decade. For the past seven years she has led an ongoing monthly group for white people attempting to combat racism, and privilege. For ten years she taught Emotional Literacy to middle schoolers as a part of the required curriculum in Mill Valley public schools.
Saturday, November 25: Talkback with Andy Bandyopadhyay & Kate Robards
Andy is a financial anthropologist. He leads research and consumer insights at Varo Money, a finetech banking startup designed to improv consumer financial health. He studies why we do what we do with money. Andy holds a PhD in science and technology policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BA in the anthropology of science and technology from Rice University. Prior to Varo, Andy worked as a UX researcher at Salesforce and Facebook.
Artist Biography
Kate Robards is an award-winning writer and performer. She has lived around the world, including Amsterdam and Shanghai, but identifies deeply with Orange, Texas, a small Gulf Coast town on the Texas-Louisiana border where she spent the first twenty years of her life.
Her first solo play, Mandarin Orange, premiered in Washington D.C. where it was named a “Festival Highlight” by The Washington Post. It went on to play at the Exit Theater and The Marsh in San Francisco as well as the Maui Fringe Festival, earning Robards the Hoku Award for favorite performer. Her one-act-play Madame Pearl was performed at California College of the Arts’ Orange Box PLAYSPACE in San Francisco. Robards has performed with Studio Theater Acting Conservatory, The San Francisco Olympians Festival, EXIT Theater, Shanghai Repertory Theater, Urban Aphrodite International, and special events at The Cutting Ball Theater. She has been featured in independent films and web series, playing everything from a 1940’s housewife to a modern-day, crack-addicted prostitute. Robards is a founding company member of FOGG Theater Company and has served on the board of directors at FOGG and The Cutting Ball Theater, both in San Francisco. She is a graduate of Upright Citizens Brigade, a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, and holds a Masters of Fine Arts in writing from California College of the Arts.
Comedian Ali Litman is known for her edgy humor and sharp observations. Based in San Francisco, Ali produces two popular shows–one in the Mission and the other in Haight-Ashbury–and performs all over the Bay Area. Every time she takes the stage, the experience is unique. Ali involves the audience in her comedy, making the show interactive, spontaneous, and like a conversation you’ve never had before.