TheaterLAB Organizes Event for Artistic Action - Haikus for Change

In response to the myriad tragedies our nation has faced in recent months, the leaders of local theater company, TheatreLAB, in cooperation with numerous members of the larger Richmond theatre community, invite the community to join them in reaching out to our political leaders through collaborative art.

On Sunday July 17th, from 9am to 4pm, TheatreLAB will open the doors of their venue, The Basement, located at 300 East Broad St, to serve as a location for any person in the Greater Richmond area to come and write their legislators. All information, materials, and postage will be provided.

To ensure that the letters are memorable, organizers are encouraging participants to send poetry, specifically haikus. Haikus are simple enough for anyone to write, unique enough to be noticed, and short enough to be read. Just 17 concise syllables can focus your political concerns and remind our government that, as a community, we are awake and aware. The arts community in Richmond is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself and we offer this opportunity to heal together and affect change by flooding our legislative mailboxes with art.

From TheatreLAB Associate Artistic Director, McLean Jesse:

"In light of the state of our nation I have been feeling rather helpless. I have been racking my brain to come up with an idea that could bring our community together in a way that makes us feel like our voices are being heard. I don't know how to do many things, but I have art as a tool, and so do you. I had an idea that I think is simple enough for people to actually participate in, and in doing so bring about healing and change - I hope you'll join us."

Attendance is free and all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, media coverage, or interview requests, please contact McLean Jesse, at mcleanfjesse@gmail.com. TheatreLAB is Richmond's home for unexpected and evocative performance. The Basement is located at 300 East Broad Street in Richmond's Arts District.

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