The Deep Play Institute presents LAYERS – a performance piece that playfully investigates the hidden layers of reality contained within the present moment. The 'here and now' will be endlessly questioned and explored using a series of techniques drawn from: surrealist word games, free association, psychodrama, parts work, circling and experimental vocalizations. While this performance piece will contain a pre-fabricated structure, the content itself will be entirely improvised – as performers feel into the unique qualities of a given moment.

LAYERS will be a hybrid performance with audience members partaking in-person (Portland, OR) and online. Shows are approximately 1 hour in length. In-person ticket price is a suggested donation of $15-25. Online ticket price is a suggested donation of $10-20. All in-person guests will be required to wear masks at all times.

Online Platform: Youtube Live
In-Person Location: Burning Spirits Yoga, 2025 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212

Shows run the following days/times:
Friday Oct 22nd, 5-6pm PST
Saturday Oct 23, 1-2pm PST
Sunday Oct 24, 4-5pm PST

BIOS

Aaron Finbloom (Director)
​Aaron Finbloom is a philosopher, artist and pedagogue. He is the co-founder of The School of Making Thinking (SMT) and the foundar & director of The Deep Play Institute (DPI). His practice involves expanding transformative inquiry through games, performance art and structured play. With training in Circling, Authentic Relating, and Psychodrama, he also facilitates experimental individual and group sessions inspired by these practices. Finbloom has presented works internationally at venues which include: The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Gallery 151 (New York), Maschinenhaus Kulturbrauerei (Berlin), UNAM (Mexico City), and MainLine Theatre (Montreal). He holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities & Fine Arts from Concordia University in Montreal, and is currently teaching Philosophy at the City College of New York. finblooming.com

Afton Brooks (performer)
Afton is fascinated by consciousness and embraces life with curiosity, mindfulness, and a love for adventure. She is an aspiring therapist currently juggling a seasonal job at Delta airlines and a contemplative sense of finding purpose in the healing arts. With training in teaching yoga, a vast love for dancing, meditative movement practices, and intimate conversation, she deeply values experiencing and witnessing authentic expression.

Kenny Frechette (performer)
Kenny is a dancer/performer and recent transplant to Portland. They are drawn to work that centers curiosity, community, and queerness. Upcoming projects: ROMP! (Shaun Keylock Company, Nov ‘21)

Mary Rose (performer)
Mary Helen Charlotte Natalia Luba Praskovia Blaise Rose is an improviser, teacher and community weaver. She teaches Action Theater improvisation—a physical theater improv form—through Portland Action Theater, and she and her husband make shows when the spirit moves them through their company, YOCTOtheatre. She’s delighted to be learning new forms, meeting new people, and exploring the human mind in new ways. 

Noah Dean (performer)
Noah is delighted to be performing for his first time with The Deep Play Institute! He recently graduated from Clark College and is eager to return his focus to acting.