Newcity Stage: For nearly two decades, long before mission-driven performance companies were a common feature in the local theater landscape, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has quietly and steadily made performances and running youth arts programs with the express goal of creating positive social change. Co-directors Ellyzabeth Adler and Sara Maslanka are preparing for their “Art in Response” program May 4-19 at the company’s home base, Ebenezer Lutheran Church. We spoke with Adler and Maslanka about the history and upcoming plans of CDE.
1 comment:
I love the intention for this company and I like the way that they go about it. Over the last year I have been think about whether or not theater can actually make social. Change, I think yes if the right structures are in place to engage audience members. Arts in response does a good job of and creating content that specifically serves their purpose and putting the structure inplace to engage the audience. I really like the idea of using theater as a place of communication and empathy because that's what theater does best is create situations or characters that depict certain struggles and therefore allow someone a window into that struggle. But it’s also important to recognize that theater is not about, creating public policy, but empathy and thus becomes a way to communicate ideas. I also think the social attitude of a production depends on where and when it is taking place, and the connections to other events.
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