Living Culture has many meanings for q-Staff.

Theatre, performance and other live art forms must change and grow and flow, perhaps in contrast with equally important concepts of tradition and preservation. But the phrase has larger and more profound meanings as well.

Very early in q-Staff’s history, we were fortunate enough to train as student/interns with Double Edge Theatre, under the directorship of Stacy Klein. By her mentorship we first understood that Living Culture isn’t an artistic concept so much as a lifestyle.

Her group’s staggering accomplishment in moving from the heart of Boston to a rural dairy farm in the Berkshires, and not only surviving for now 30+ years. But also thriving, engaging and transforming the entire region. They inspire us to this day.

We’ve maintained a close relationship over 20 years despite the distance between our groups, traveling many times to stay and work on The Farm. First as students, then as trainers, then as collaborators, and now as deep friends and colleagues.

We strive in the spirit of these amazing artists to work, create and engage with our Albuquerque community as they’ve already proven possible in Ashfield.

We’ve done a pretty good job so far, but it’s always good to share stories of the amazing people we’ve met through this art form, and pay credit where credit is due. It’s a small glimpse into Living Culture.

Please check out their website. There’s incredible depth and history in Double Edge. And if you ever have the good fortune to visit the farm, see a performance or attend any of their training workshops and programs. Well, just do.

In the meantime, we have plenty to do here as q-Staff.

Onward.