An Evening of Short Plays in Response to the Election at Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional Theatre in Residence at Oakes Center in Summit, is presenting a unique event, "Continuing the Conversation: An Evening of Short Plays in Response to the Election," on Thursday, February 2 a 7:30 pm.

This evening, which will include readings of eight short plays followed by an open discussion with the audience and light refreshments, originated from a number of questions being asked by the artistic community in the last several months. Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand observed, "The inspiration for this project in part came from the response to the statement the "Hamilton" cast read from the stage. It raises the question of how we as a society view the theatre and the people who make it as participants in this society. I was also interested in discovering how the artists we know were processing and participating in the dialogue happening in our country surrounding the election."

The discussion following "Continuing the Conversation" will be focused on questions such as: What role does theatre have in civic discourse? What do audiences gain, or need, from their participation in theatre? And further, what contribution can artists as individuals make to this conversation? Dreamcatcher always strives to build community with the audience by providing opportunities for connection between the lives we are living and the stories told onstage, and this evening is just such an opportunity.

The plays range from comedy to drama to musical, and each is unique. Participating playwrights include Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos (Mi Casa Tu Casa), Nadine Bernard (In the Shadow of My Son), Suzanne Bradbeer (Shakespeare in Vegas), Richard Dresser (Rounding Third), Steve Harper (American Crime), David Lee White (Blood: A Comedy), David Meyers (We Will Not Be Silent), and Lia Romeo (Connected). Twenty-five actors will read the plays before the audience is invited to join in the conversation.

Dreamcatcher will share proceeds from "Continuing the Conversation" with Interweave, an interfaith, interspiritual learning center centered on integrated spirituality for daily living. Interweave's mission is to deepen spirituality, strengthen wellness and promote the common good. This nonprofit has been offering opportunities for growth and support through programs, retreats, and support groups since 1980. Interweave sees the arts, both visual and performing, as a powerful vehicle for the reflective work we are called to do as individuals and as a society to move towards transformative growth. Interweave has campuses in Summit, Short Hills, Mendham and Montclair.

Interweave executive director, Janet Aulet Maulbeck says, "We are thrilled to be the recipients of this exciting benefit reading on "continuing the conversation". Theater is such a powerful mirror of our society, and who better to hold up that mirror than the incredibly talented Dreamcatcher ensemble." www.interweave.org

"Continuing the Conversation" will be presented on Thursday, February 2 at 7:30 pm at the Oakes Center, located at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. All tickets are $20. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Purchase tickets online at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006. Parking is available in the lot behind the theatre on Ashwood Avenue and at the Summit Recreation Center on Morris Avenue. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, please visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, 908-514-9654.

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