The National Civil War Project Launches in Washington, D.C.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) and Harvard University are proud to announce their participation in The National Civil War Project, an ambitious multi-city, multi-year collaboration of four universities and five performing arts organizations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, which launched today in Washington, D.C. Inspired by noted choreographer Liz Lerman, The National Civil War Project will include the commissioning of original theatrical works as well as the creation of new arts-integrated academic programs.

The National Civil War Project crosses traditional boundaries by uniting a range of academic and artistic perspectives through a unique partnership of universities and theaters, including: ALLIANCE THEATRE and Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts at Emory University in Atlanta, GA; American Repertory Theater and Harvard University in Cambridge, MA; Arena Stage and the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and CENTERSTAGE in Baltimore, MD and The Clarice SmithPerforming Arts Center at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD.

Harvard University President Drew Faust commented: "The arts invite a shift in perception and understanding that is at the heart of all learning. Projects that elevate the profile of the arts and art making enrich campus communities and encourage imagination andinnovation - two essential drivers of human progress."

Diane Paulus, A.R.T. Artistic Director, concurred: "This anniversary provides the A.R.T. an opportunity to explore the American Civil War, and civil war as it continues in our world today. We are fortunate to be part of a university with a president who is a preeminent Civil War scholar and historian. As the leader of an art institution on campus, I have been deeply inspired by President Faust's embracing of the idea that the arts should play an important role in the cognitive life of the university. Through this project, we are exploring ways in which artistic innovation and scholarly research can inform each other, leading to the generation of new theatrical projects and new courses in the Harvard curriculum."
The centerpiece of The National Civil War Project will be the commissioning and development of new theatrical works, drawing on the theme of civil conflict and the American Civil War. The organizations will convene leading experts for national conferences and symposia, and produce public discussion series, community programs and dramaturgy, student playwriting projects, student-generated exhibitions, and artist and academic roundtables.