New Repertory Theatre Receives Mass Humanities Grant

New Rep's Spotlight Symposium Series features theatre artists, area academics, and experts as they explore and discuss ideas related to the play and how they impact our world. Mass Humanities has granted New Rep $3,000 to support this program for its productions of Good and Fiddler on the Roof.

"The central focus of New Rep's mission is to produce plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time," says New Rep Artistic Director, Jim Petosa. "Our Spotlight Symposium Series was developed to further our exploration of the ways in which theatre audiences can interact with a world of ideas. We're pleased to be recognized by Mass Humanities for this commitment as we continue to engage in important conversations."

"Mass Humanities is impressed with New Rep's theatrical performances," says Mass Humanities Program Officer, Rose Sackey-Milligan. "They appeal to a considerable number of people because they seriously address issues and ideas essential to our times, and their post-performance moderated panels provoke the audience to meaningful conversation about each play from multiple points of view. Mass Humanities is pleased to be a partner in New Rep's rich public humanities programming."

Spotlight Symposium Schedule | Free and Open to the Public
Charles Mosesian Theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal Street, Watertown

Good - Sunday, October 9 following the 4pm performance

American Authoritarianism: The Genesis of Nationalism in the United States
Panelists will discuss the recent trends towards xenophobia, nationalism, and authoritarianism in the United States and explore how these issues may evolve after the 2016 election.

Fiddler on the Roof - Sunday, December 4 following the 2pm performance

City of Neighborhoods: Melding and Reclaiming Ethnic Identity
Panelists will discuss ethnic and cultural traditions and experiences of immigrants to the United States focusing particular attention to the Boston-area in particular; exploring exile, diaspora, and the loss and reclamation of cultural identity.

These programs are funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About New Repertory Theatre

New Repertory Theatre is the award-winning, professional theatre company in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA. For over 30 years, New Rep has been a leader of self-produced theatre in greater Boston, producing contemporary and classic dramas, comedies, and musicals in both the 340-seat Charles Mosesian Theater and the 90-seat Black Box Theater. In addition to its mainstage productions, New Rep produces Next Voices, a program dedicated to developing new plays through staged readings and world premiere productions. Under its Lifelong Enrichment Arts Programs (LEAP), New Rep also produces its Classic Repertory Company, Page to Stage, Insider Experiences, and Spotlight Symposium Series.

New Rep's Mission

New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theater performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience. New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences. New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theater in our culture.

About Mass Humanities
Mass Humanities conducts and supports programs that use history, literature, philosophy, and the other humanities disciplines to enhance and improve civic life in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Foundation for Humanities and Public Policy, now simply known as Mass Humanities, was established in 1974 as the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), we are an independent programming and grant-making organization that receives support from the NEH and the Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as private sources.

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