"Sandy says that this horrible hopeless feeling is the feeling you get right before it happens."

"Sandy says that this horrible hopeless feeling is the feeling you get right before it happens."

Somewhere in some room, a group of some writers gather to create stories for a some project. As they share personal anecdotes, myths, and wild imaginings, the lines between reality and fiction blur, revealing deeper truths about human connection and the nature of storytelling.

Baker’s play is an enigmatic and deeply philosophical exploration of the stories we tell ourselves and each other, all set in a timeless space that challenges conventional narrative structures. The Antipodes delves into the act of creation itself, examining the power and purpose of what it means to tell a story.

March 7, 8, 9 and 14, 15, 16
Evenings & Matinees


Mid Valley Performing Arts Center
2525 Taylorsville Blvd
Taylorsville, Utah 84129

The Antipodes

Tickets $20.00

Written by Annie Baker

Directed by Jack Cobabe
with Assistant Director Jax Jackman

March 7, 8, 9 and 14, 15, 16 (2025)

Letter from the Director

Storytelling is powerful. Storytelling is not sitting in an office building, trying to come up with the best story. It is not an equation or formula of what will succeed and make money. Storytelling is a tool to influence the hearts and minds of those hearing the story. 

All of the characters we see in Annie Baker's, The Antipodes, believe in this power too. Some are misguided, but they are all united on the power of storytelling. This is a place where all people are not only accepted, but also encouraged to share their stories.

The ability to hear a different perspective, or learn a new side of a story is something long gone in certain areas of our society. There is no more common ground, no more respect, and certainly no more empathy. Luckily, here at the theatre, one is forced to reconcile with empathy. You're welcome. 

Baker's play asks what reason we have for storytelling, and what makes it good. I believe that this exercise of empathy is why storytelling is so important in society, especially when faced with people and systems who seem to have forgotten how empathy works. That is why we are here, doing what we do. So thank you for coming. I invite you to listen to this story, and all stories, with an open heart and a curious mind.

Jack Cobabe

Director of The Antipodes
Assistant Artistic Director of Voodoo Theatre Company

Directed by Jack Cobabe

Jack Cobabe is a director and actor based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recent directing credits include assistant directing The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey with Voodoo Theatre Company, directing an original adaptation of Euripides’ The Bacchae with the Classical Greek Theatre Festival, and assistant directing The Realistic Joneses with Wasatch Theatre Company. Recent acting credits include Gross Indecency (Alfred Douglas) with Wasatch Theatre, Helen (Theoclymenus) with the Classical Greek Theatre Festival, as well as God of Carnage (Michael) and Frankenstein (Victor Frankenstein) at Westminster College. He received his BFA in Theatre Performance from Westminster College.

with Assistant Director Jax Jackman

Jax Jackman (They/She) is a chameleon in the art world from clown drag to director to choreographer! They strive to use their art to encourage everyone to truly love the skin you're in and to always choose kindness. They graduated with a Bachelors in Theatre from Idaho State University then began living in NYC stage managing various new works for Red Fern Theatre Company, Rabbithole Ensemble and Less Than Rent. She recently worked as a director, choreographer, lighting designer, sound designer and production manager with the Westminster School of Fine Arts, An Other Theater Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, Plan B, Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival, Good Company, Egyptian YouTheatre and Voodoo Theatre Company. She has spent the last 20 years as a professional performing artist finding every way imaginable to create art and find community wherever she lands. They are currently a local artist, educator and producer in the Salt Lake Valley for the Queer and Black communities with a focus on theatre and performance art. She can't wait to share their love for music, theatre, dance and art!

Meet the Cast

  • Matthew Ivan Bennett

    as Sandy

    Matthew Ivan Bennett has worked with Pioneer, SLAC, Plan-B, Pygmalion, Wasatch, and now Voodoo. He was recently a writing fellow at the Helene Wurltizer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico where he co-wrote “Just Add Water” with Elaine Jarvik, which will premiere at Plan-B in October. Since 2005, he’s premiered over 20 plays with Plan-B, including 13 radio plays in collaboration with KUER’s RadioWest. In 2023, his play "From June to August" was the Official Selection performed at Meanwhile Park. He’s worked with the Omaha Community Playhouse, The Constructivists in Milwaukee, and his short plays have appeared in Seattle, Toronto, New York, and DC. Matt is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

  • Zoe Fossen

    as Sarah

    Zoe is thrilled to be a part of her first Voodoo Theatre Company production, The Antipodes. Her previous roles include Pride and Prejudice (Kitty), The Bacchae (Messenger), When She Had Wings (B), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia).

  • Olivia Custodio

    as Eleanor

    Olivia Custodio is entrenched in the arts. As an actress, opera singer, and playwright, she considers herself very lucky to be surrounded by creatives at nearly all times. Most recently she served as head writer of the Salt Lake Acting Company’s 2024 Summer Show: Close Encounters in the Beehive, as well as the previous two summer iterations. Olivia has her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in Vocal Performance and her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. As a performer, her favorite roles include The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened..., and Elizabeth in Streetlight Woodpecker. Olivia currently serves as the Director of Major Gifts at the Sphinx Organization. www.oliviacustodio.com

  • Ellie Otis

    as Adam

    Ellie feels so fortunate to be part of another Voodoo production after assistant directing their most recent production, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. You may have seen her as Mary Bennett in the Grand Theatre’s production of Pride and Prejudice, or as Sam Ryder in Open Door’s production of What Blew in with the Rodeo. Catch her directing Voodoo’s next production, The Moors this fall!

  • Kelly Branan

    as Danny M1

    Kelly Branan is excited to take the stage in this production of The Antipodes. Recent credits include Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit with Sandbox Theatre Company, Uncle George in Cash on Delivery with Bluffdale City Arts, and The Narrator in Puffs with Voodoo Theatre Company. A lifelong lover of theater, Kelly enjoys tackling complex characters and collaborating with talented casts and crews. When not performing, he enjoys photography, the great outdoors, and supporting the arts in his community. He is grateful to his friends, family, and fellow artists for their encouragement and hopes you enjoy the show!

  • Sophia Van Nederveen

    as Danny M2 / Max

    Sophia Van Nederveen is delighted for her first (on stage) role with Voodoo Theatre Company.  Recent favorite credits include costuming for Vanya & Friends at Voodoo Theatre Co, Pony in Realistic Jones with Wasatch Theatre Co, and Svetlana in Dreamers with Immigrant’s Daughter Theatre Co. She also recently contributed to an Oscar Boyson film starring Jaeden Martell. She has a degree in Criminal Justice and theatre performance from Westminster University and has trained with notable theatre/film alums Susan Stroman, and James Gray.

  • Jared Kamauu

    as Josh

    Jared Kamauu is a professional actor and producer based out of Utah. In July 2023, he graduated with a BFA in acting and he’s excited to continue to work with incredible artists to tell incredible stories. His credits include Juror 10 in 12 Angry Jurors, Oliver in an original play titled Full of Too Many Unnamed Things, and producer of Every Brilliant Thing. He's very happy to be a part of this production and to be working alongside so many wonderful artists to tell this story. He is so grateful to be working alongside his best friend and wife, Melanie Kamauu. Thank you for your support!

  • Pedro Flores

    as Dave

    Pedro is thrilled to be making his Voodoo debut with such a fantastic show. He holds a BA from Weber State University's Acting & Directing program. Pedro is ecstatic to join Plan-B's Theatre Artists of Color Writing Workshop this Fall! Credits include: Usnavi in In The Heights (West Valley Arts), Full Color, Ali & #3, Aftershock (Plan-B), SLACabaret (Salt Lake Acting Company), In The Heights, American Idiot (Good Company Theatre). Pedro is grateful for his friends' and family steadfast support and love.

  • Jaden Richards

    as Brian

    Jaden holds a bachelor's degree in theatre performance and has appeared in both stage and film productions. Recent credits include the male swing in The Grand’s production of The 39 Steps, and Liam in the award-winning short film Lost Connections. Jaden enjoys exploring complex characters and bringing fresh perspectives to each role. He is excited to be part of this production of The Antipodes, his debut at Voodoo, and grateful to the creative team and cast for this experience. Enjoy the show!

  • Luke Jensen

    Masc Swing

    Luke Jensen is excited to be working with the lovely people at Voodoo Theatre Company. He is an SLCC alumni who holds an associate degree in theatre arts. Most recently he was in the ensemble of Pride and Prejudice at The Grand Theatre. Other credits include Lee Harvey Oswald in Assassins, Konstantin in The Seagull, and Hamlet in Fortinbras, all at the SLCC Black Box. He has been pursuing a career in film acting and is currently working as a medical simulation actor at the University of Utah. Luke would like to thank his friends, family, and his partner Elaia for all of their love and support.

  • Kami McDonough

    Fem Swing

    Kami is thrilled to be back on the stage again and in her debut performance with Voodoo Theatre Company. Some of her favorite previous roles include Taming of the Shrew as Lucentio with Mad King Productions, and falling on her ass in skates for Xanadu as Polyhymnia. When not acting you can catch Kami working on her bachelors of Psychology at UVU. A special thanks to her boyfriend Buddy, brother Dylan and dad Wade for being so supportive as she follows her passion, and always love to Dead Mom.

Taylynn Rushton

Resident Stage Manager

Taylynn Rushton (Resident Stage Manager) is so excited to be back with Voodoo! Taylynn has has stage managed for different companies across the Salt Lake Valley including Utah Opera (Hansel und Gretel, The Flying Dutchman), The Classical Greek Theatre Festival (Medea, Helen), Westminster University (The Thanksgiving Play, The Doomsday Device), and Sting & Honey (Oleanna). She received her BFA in Production and Design from Westminster University.

Gail Wright

Assistant Stage Manager & Props

Gail Wright (Assistant Stage Manager & Props) graduated from Westminster University in 2023 with a BFA in the Performing Arts with a Design and Production emphasis. Since graduating they have been working with Pioneer Theatre Company as an electrician. Outside of their work at Pioneer, they have worked on the award-winning Worship (set design) with Immigrant’s Daughter Theatre, and The 54th Step (set design) with An Other Theatre Company. They have stage managed for the past two seasons at The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival and been on the wardrobe crew for The Classical Greek Theatre Festival. Their credits with Westminster include God of Carnage (Set Design), Cartoon (Makeup Design), Frankenstein (Assistant Stage Manager), As You Like It (Assistant Stage Manager & Props), and The Thanksgiving Play (Dramaturg & Props).