Creators

Abbreviated Enlightenment was conceived and created by Leslie & Brandon Fletcher, Chicago entrepreneurs.

The vision for this show came from several influences, including Jill Mueller’s multi-art form work with “Gesamtkunstwerk”, Lila Theatre “truth-based” improv, and the short play format of the Neo-Futurists. (See Links).

The aesthetic of AE is Gesamtkunstwerk for a modern generation - a simultaneous combination of art forms. We use layers of artistic media to communicate a concept rather than theatrics or characterizations - borrowing a term from Lila..."truthful artistic play." The format of our show, a rapid succession of 2-3 minute pieces, was inspired by the Neo-Futurists. Mix it all up in a pot, throw in a few new spices, and you get AE: The only place you'll likely see long-form improv in 2 minutes followed by a short film accompanied by a professional African drummer.

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LESLIE FLETCHER has served on the board of directors of the Neo-Futurists in Chicago, and on the advisory board of Lila Theatre in San Francisco. She was a strategy consultant in Chicago for five years before returning to business school at the University of Chicago GSB, where she received a leadership fellowship. As a fellow, she has tried to promote use of the arts in business and vice versa among the GSB community. Instead of pursuing a typical MBA internship, Leslie started Abbreviated Enlightenment in Dallas, her home town. (see news/reviews). The Dallas production was closed in May, after much venue hopping, high acclaim, but spotty audience growth. Perhaps Dallas preferred restaurants and strip clubs?

Post graduation in August 2005, Leslie accepted a position in Corporate Strategy & Insight at Wal-Mart in Bentonville, AR. Before donning her Walmartian robes in October, she revived Abbreviated Enlightenment by training a new cast in San Francisco, to be directed by Jill Mueller of Lila Theatre, Leslie’s sister.

Meet the Creators: Jill (L) and Leslie (R)

BRANDON FLETCHER served as an advisor to the Neo-Futurists finance committee, where he and Leslie recommended and set up the company’s first investment endowment. He also holds an MBA from Chicago GSB, and a CFA. Brandon’s investment company, Palo Duro Investments, provided the seed monies to start Abbreviated Enlightenment. He also made cameo appearances in several Dallas performances…

JILL MUELLER

Leslie relied on Jill Mueller of Lila Theatre to provide the vision for the improvisational sketches in Abbreviated Enlightenment. Jill cast improvisers both in Dallas and San Francisco, and generated improvisation formats that had a long-form flavor within a short-form timeframe. For background on Jill, visit www.lilatheatre.org.