Global Cleveland & Cleveland Public Theatre Present GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT: MAKING OUR WAY

Global Cleveland's President Joe Cimperman and Cleveland Public Theatre's (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan are proud to present GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT's original play, Making Our Way, in CPT's James Levin Theatre on Friday, March 16 at 7:00pm.

The GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT ensemble is made up of students from Thomas Jefferson INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMERS ACADEMY, whose countries of origin include Afghanistan, Albania, Congo, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Tickets are free. Only 2 reservations per person. To reserve, email boxoffice@cptonline.org or call 216-631-2727 x 501. There are also 2 in-school showings on Wednesday, March 14 at 8:15AM and 9:30AM. To attend, email courtney@globalcleveland.org.

Making Our Way features original stories and performances created by GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT, students from Thomas Jefferson INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMERS ACADEMY, ages 14-19. This performance is the culmination of a rigorous and collaborative after-school rehearsal process between students and CPT teaching artists, with the support and involvement of the school's teachers and staff. Together they have created an original work of theatre based on the students' stories and cultures, and their experiences as newcomers in the U.S. This program, a collaboration between Cleveland Public Theatre and Global Cleveland, seeks to enhance cross-cultural understanding among a diverse group of international teens and their new Cleveland community.

According to Global Cleveland's President Joe Cimperman: "The leadership of Cleveland Public Theatre and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District is outstanding when it comes to this great performance by the amazing global students of the International Newcomers Academy. Global Cleveland is proud to support and sponsor this art opportunity for these young actors, designers, and playwrights who come from all over the world to find a home here in Cleveland. With all that is ongoing in the conversation around newcomers, immigration, and refugees, seeing this production illuminates great creativity and our shared humanity. Like Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, all are welcome to see this play."

According to CPT's Executive Artistic Director, Raymond Bobgan: "Through this extraordinary project, we can learn about each other, our neighbors old and new, those who happen to look like us and those who don't, and we can work together to advance the youth in our community. We're grateful to be partnering, once again, with our remarkable friends at Global Cleveland. GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT is a unique collaboration between organizations working to make change in the community, both believing and investing in the power of art to transform lives and change minds."

A young woman's world is turned upside down when she is forced to leave her home. Along her journey to safety, she collides with a family torn by war, a group of friends fleeing danger, a young man in search of a new life and his long-lost friend, and a mysterious woman who knows their path forward. Making Our Way, an original performance based on the personal experiences of 15 international teenagers from eight countries, is a story of finding footing, forging new pathways, and discovering the power of friendship and family. GLOBAL TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT participants navigate hope and despair, and uncover magic and new life as they look to each other for help and answers.

The cast includes Bilal Almustafa, Wiringiyimana Frezinele, Ban Idan, Ranya Idan, Andrew (Sweet Boy) Kiiza, Armend Krasniqi, Ahmed Mohammed, Ruba Mohammed, Anifa Mulasi, Agron Muqolli, Intisar Musa, Chance Nsabiyeze, Radjabu Kasole, with Benafshe Ali Shah and Siwita Ali Shah.

The Creative Production Team includes Adam Seeholzer & Molly Andrews-Hinders (Co-Directors), Chialla Geib-Fenske (Scenic Designer), and Hillary Wheelock (Costume Designer).

Made possible through the generous support from: Global Cleveland, the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), and Ohio Arts Council.

Special thanks to Councilpersons: Kerry McCormack, Jasmin Santana, and Matt Zone.

Special thanks to Community Partners: City of Cleveland Department of Community Development, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, and Metro West Community Development Organization.

Very special thanks to: CMSD CEO Eric S. Gordon and staff, Principal Marisol Burgos, Assistant Principal Jennifer Rhone, Assistant Principal Christa Jemison, Dean of Engagement Kaleb Garcia, Guidance Counselor Maria Bozak, Teaching Staff, Chris Seibert, Fred Geis, Rafid Fadul, and Thomas Jefferson INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMERS ACADEMY Facilities and Security Staff.

Special thanks to: the entire student body who participated in a series of workshops, contributing their talents in the creation of this work.

TICKET AND SHOW INFORMATION
Making Our Way performs on Friday, March 16 at 7:00pm in CPT's James Levin Theatre, located at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102, in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District.

Tickets are FREE. Only 2 reservations per person. To reserve, email boxoffice@cptonline.org or call 216-631-2727 x501. There are also 2 in-school showings on Wednesday, March 14 at 8:15AM and 9:30AM. To attend, email courtney@globalcleveland.org.

The James Levin Theatre is ADA compliant, featuring a patron elevator and an all gender, wheelchair accessible restroom.

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