What is FOR THE CULTURE?

To expand meaningful audience engagement among artists, audiences, and staff, New York Theatre Workshop is introducing the “For the Culture Series.”  Through FTC, NYTW seeks to bridge the gap between the world we know and the world we are actively striving to build – where we harness the power of theatre to deepen human connections by learning and growing from the lived experiences of each other; connect through art, shared customs, traditions and heritage(s); and where we amplify artists and work by traditionally underrepresented groups or individuals, creating access to the Workshop for historically marginalized communities in order to build and sustain authentic relationships with our fellow community members and theatergoers.

The series comprises of affinity nights that focus on the themes surrounding a show and invites audiences to not only attend the show but participate in AfterWords programming with our community of artists, invited panelists, and other activities. The series will also open special opportunities for new audiences to attend our shows and learn more about the organization, its artist community, and the many ways they can participate.

“As the landscape of theater and the performing arts industry continue to shift and change, it is imperative that artistic institutions commit to building lasting relationships, purposefully engage, and invest in communities which have traditionally been underrepresented onstage and in audience development efforts including BIPOC, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, etc.” says Interim Director of Marketing, Khalilah Elliott.

Elliott adds: “NYTW’s For the Culture Series is a demonstration of the organization’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between the world we know and the world we are actively striving to build – where we harness the power of theatre to deepen human connections by learning and growing from the lived experiences of each other; connecting through art, shared customs,  traditions and heritage(s). It has been thrilling to bring the For the Culture series to life here at NYTW and especially to launch it during the run of Aleshea Harris’ groundbreaking On Sugarland.” 

The first “For the Culture Series” will run during Aleshea Harris’ On Sugarland, directed by Whitney White and choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly. Each special affinity night will have its own theme, such as Veteran’s Night and Black Theatre Night. The full listing of affinity nights can be found on our website.

“For the Culture Series” will continue for Dreaming Zenzile and all future productions. To learn more about the new series and updates on featured AfterWord panelists and moderators, please visit our website nytw.org.

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Categories: For The Culture. Tags: For The Culture and On Sugarland.