NH Theatre Project Presents GRANNY D: THE POWER OF ONE

New Hampshire native Doris "Granny D" Haddock didn't settle into a rocking chair at age 88. She took a 3,200 mile walk from Pasadena, California to Washington DC - to get big money out of politics. On October 20, New Hampshire Theatre Project is pleased to present actor Dixie Tymitz in her one-woman, one-act show honoring Granny D's legacy: Granny D: The Power of One.

Tymitz is a professional actress, singer and storyteller from Pittsburgh, PA who has performed the play in venues across the country. Concord-based organization Open Democracy is sponsoring a series of public performances in New Hampshire.

Founded by Haddock and other concerned citizens in 2009, Open Democracy is a nonpartisan organization working to reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics to ensure an equal voice for all.

"The Power of One play series helps us pass along the legacy of Granny D," said Olivia Zink, Open Democracy's Executive Director. "Dixie and her husband, John, are bringing this play to schools, senior centers and other community-based venues across New Hampshire. For people who didn't know Granny D, this play is a great introduction. We hope everyone in the audience will be inspired by her example."

Haddock has already inspired citizens nationwide. "Campaign finance reform is one of the most important issues of our time. Granny D highlighted this in her walk across America and we need to carry on her good work," said Betty Tamposi, Open Democracy Board Vice Chair.

"Here in the Granite State, 80% of us think special interests have more influence than voters," Zink said. "According to the National Institute on Money in Politics, political donors spent more than $72 million on New Hampshire elections in 2016 - and that's not even counting the presidential race. In the words of Article 10 of the New Hampshire Constitution, 'the ends of government are perverted and public liberty manifestly endangered' when billionaires and special interests are controlling our elections. It's time for solutions."

One of Tymitz's many performances of the play was onboard the Semester at Sea. Archbishop Desmond Tutu watched that presentation and enjoyed it, commenting, "I am amazed at Dixie's performance and the unbelievable story of Granny D and her unbelievable walk across the country calling attention to the problem of campaign finance reform in the United States."

New Hampshire Theatre Project, based in Portsmouth at West End Studio Theatre, is dedicated to creating innovative theatre for personal and community transformation.

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