AMERICAN THEATRE: The Public Theater, the Barnard Center for Research on Women, and the Ntozake Shange Literary Trust have partnered to establish the Ntozake Shange Social Justice Theater Residency. Conceived by inaugural playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza, the residency aims to recognize a distinguished woman, femme, trans, or non-binary playwright of the African diaspora.
2 comments:
With all of the contemptible people and practices that occur in this industry, it's heartening to read an article that highlights positive news. These types of residency programs are so important not only because of the voices they help to amplify, but because of the accessibility an opportunity like this provides. Time and time again I've encountered people who have walked away from their passions because they couldn't afford to pursue them -- either in education, or professionally. And, unfortunately, this seems to most affect those who are not wealthy and white. A fully funded and paid residency will go a long way to allowing fledging artists to pursue their crafts. I also liked what the Artistic Director of The Public stated: "This is what both universities and non-profit theatres need to do: provide jobs for writers and artists which are not dependent on capitalism and the tyranny of the market." I so agree.
I am very excited to see this type of theatrical work represented with a residency. Theatre for a greater purpose is always something that has inspired me, and I love the idea of giving an artist a salary with benefits and creative support for creative projects. Especially in the entertainment industry, there is this idea of being grateful for what you have, and never striving for something more equitable or something better, asking you to choose between your morals and putting food on the table. I hope that in the future more programs like this will exist and I hope that choosing between your art and your identity becomes something that goes extinct. The art that we create is entirely I am really looking forward to seeing what comes out of this residency and what it inspires in theatre around the world.
Post a Comment