The Department of Emotional Labor

2019 

Performances:
October 11-13, Underland at Epic Immersive, San Francisco (2019)
2020 performances postponed until future notice 


Contributors:logo and stationery design by Kelli Anderson
SF cast (2019): Chris Anderson, Lana Lacaille, Jon Lim, Lauren Garcia, Ray Tokhi




︎︎︎EmotionalLabor.org

An immersive theater production about a speculative “soft bureaucracy,” where emotional labor is protected and regulated the same way as physical labor.

This narrative experience invites participants to consider how we navigate the imperfect relationships between individuals and how we care for and inadvertently hurt each other. A companion/sequel to The Museum of Almost Realities.

Show synopsis: 

What if emotional labor—the work of caring, listening, remembering—was as highly valued and protected as physical labor? What do we really owe to each other? From the creator of the Museum of Almost Realities and Weird Side Projects comes The Department of Emotional Labor, a speculative “soft bureaucracy” navigating the imperfect relationships between individuals and how we both care for and inadvertently hurt each other.

Shadow an associate of the Department of Emotional Labor as they process Claire’s paperwork right before her cross-country move to Chicago. During this time of emotional and physical uncertainty, Claire has to come to terms with the relationships she has to bring with or leave behind. One more appointment at the Department of Emotional Labor to sort out old partnerships, failed romances, and familial bonds with the five most important people in her life.