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Planet Connections Festivity
11-Jun-2009
Written by: Laura T. Dalton
Theater and activism combine for fun and entertainment
Do you enjoy entertaining nights of live theater? Are you interested in raising social consciousness? If you are nodding “obviously” right now, then check out the Planet Connections Festivity! On June 11, 2009, this new eco-friendly festival premieres, at 440 Lafayette Street in Manhattan, with the first of 35 shows that are all designed to promote social and cultural awareness. The shows explore everything from Cleopatra to small town America, and contribute to various social causes and charities including City Meals on Wheels and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
But don’t let the nature of the Festivity fool you – this is no stuffy charity event that requires freshly dry-cleaned cocktail dresses or conversation about the weather. The Planet Connections Festivity is a unique and inspirational experience created by an enormously talented team that is dedicated to connecting its audience with its fellow artists. The shows range from dramas to comedies to musicals, so there will be something for everyone (or whatever mood you happen to be in that week). In addition to the variety, this festival will host a new level of energy that you won’t find anywhere else—that is why it is a Festivity! The innovative combination of theater and awareness draws a cast and crew that are not only fulfilling a love of the stage, but are also fighting for causes that they believe in. As a result, an impassioned art form is produced that has the ability to incite its audiences to rise to action.
Co-Executive Directors, Glory Bowen and Frank Calo, invite you to join the festivity, June 9th through the 28th at the 440 Studios in New York City, for what will be the first ever Socially Conscious, Eco-friendly theatre festival. “For many years, my service work in the community and my work in the theater have been two different worlds,” says Bowen. “By creating this festival, I am hoping to merge those worlds. I would like to inspire playwrights to write about the social causes that they are passionate about. I would also like to inspire people to be more involved in their communities. I still believe that live theater is a powerful art form and that it can move people to take action.”
And take action they will, as Bowen and Calo have managed to create a festival that connects theater back to its roots. The earliest Greek performances sparked debates on many controversial topics—war, politics, sex, religion—and the Planet Connections Theater Festivity continues to enforce the stage as a place for the exploration of social issues.
So put away those cocktail dresses, forget about the rain, and prepare for an opportunity to view the world through new eyes and explore the human connection. The Planet Connections Festivity promises to be a must-see series of premieres that embrace non-traditional casting, unique perspectives, political theater and more, in an effort to put the “experience” back in Theater Experience.
For more information about show schedules and tickets, go to http://www.planetconnectionsfestivity.com.
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