January 22, 2011: New York Comedians for Afghan Women (two poetry reading events)
2 PM and 4 PM. The 4 PM show will feature Rachel Dratch. Magic Futurebox (55 33rd St., 4th floor, Brooklyn NY; magicfuturebox.com).
2 PM show: $30 ($15 with student I.D.)
4 PM show: $40 ($20 with student I.D.)
This poetry event is designed as an installation designed to represent both the isolation and the independence of Afghan women writers. Chairs will be available for those unable to stand for 45 minutes. Small reception and Q&A to follow, along with Afghan crafts for sale. 100% of proceeds benefit the Afghan Women’s Writing Project.
Ticketing:
2 PM https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216779
4 PM https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216781
About the Afghan Women’s Writing Project
In a country where a woman may be forbidden to let a stranger hear her voice — let alone see her face — the Afghan Women’s Writing Project’s over 75 participants have begun, often at serious risk, to unveil their souls: to each other and to the world. Founded in 2009 by award-winning writer and Brooklyn resident Masha Hamilton, the AWWP provides secure online writing workshops to women in Afghanistan. Many of the participants conceal loaner laptops under their burqas or walk hours through Taliban territory to visit their secret gathering space in Kabul. The goal of the AWWP is to remove the filters of male relatives and the media and amplify the real voices of Afghan women. The organization is run by volunteers in New York, Kabul, and several other states and countries. In 2010, the AWWP was honored by the New York State Division of Human Rights. The AWWP believes that the right to tell one’s story aloud is a human right.
About Rachel Dratch
Rachel Dratch was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven years. Some of her memorable characters include Boston teen Denise, Debbie Downer, and the "Lovers" professors with Will Ferrell. She started out at the Second City Theater in Chicago, where she wrote on and performed in four revues on the mainstage. For the latter two she received the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Revue. Other live comedy credits include Improvolympic in Chicago, ASSSCAT 3000 at the UCB Theater in New York, and the sketch show "Dratch and Fey" with Tina Fey which played at Second City, Aspen Comedy Fest and UCB. Other TV credits include "King of Queens," “Frasier,” "Monk," “Ugly Betty” and “30 Rock.” Film credits include "Down with Love,” “Click,” “Spring Breakdown” “My Life in Ruins” and “Just Go with It.” Rachel is the voice of Esmargot and Koi in the Disney channel’s “Fish Hooks.” Her book, “Girl Walks into a Bar,” will be published in the spring by Gotham Books.
About Magic Futurebox
Magic Futurebox was founded in 2010 as a playground for the development of theatre and other collaborative forms of art that bring audiences together. Magic Futurebox has worked with over 200 directors, actors, designers, musicians, and roboticists on 13 different productions. Magic Futurebox in 20,000 square feet of rehearsal, development, and performance space, appropriately located in a still-functioning factory in Brooklyn’s Industry City.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos
