CAT Youth Theatre Presents LAN*GUAGE- An Original Show

LAN•GUAGE- A systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.

But whose voices are dominating? What are they saying? How do we choose to use our voice? CAT Youth Theatre examines these questions and more in an entertaining and provocative original production.

The award-winning CAT Youth Theatre, founded and directed by Helen White, is a free program that helps young people to thrive - on stage and in life. Members create socially relevant, artistically sophisticated original plays while learning vital life skills enabling youth to become self-confident, compassionate and accountable; to develop relationships across differences; build community; and be prepared to act as contributing citizens. Membership is free to the young people who participate. There are no auditions - just a commitment to be an active participant of the CAT Youth Theatre community.

Now in its 21st year, CAT Youth Theatre has presented over 50 original productions and has performed by invitation nationally and internationally. Past CAT Youth Theatre shows have focused on the many facets of justice and power, what it means to be an American, and our relationship with the truth.

"Throughout the fall, language was a consistent theme in the work of the young people. Language is used to include and exclude, to express love and hate, to oppress and to speak out against wrongs. As the language of the Presidential election became increasingly vitriolic and hateful, the group wanted to look at many different facets of language- not only how we communicate, but what we are saying," says Program Director Helen White.

"During the devising process, Youth Theatre members looked to challenge the norms of hate speech, violent language towards women, and even the idea that language must be spoken to be understood. It became important that we look at language as inclusive, even while acknowledging the history and impact of language as a tool for oppression and division. LAN•GUAGE is our journey."

LAN•GUAGE will be performed at the Baruch Performing Arts Center. Public performances begin Friday, February 24th and run through Sunday, March 5th. In addition, the CAT Youth Theatre will present an afternoon performance for school and community youth groups on Tuesday, February 28th.

For schedule, tickets, and group discount information contact Maureen Donohue at (212) 652-2828 or maureen.donohue@mail.cuny.edu.

The CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT) uses the power of drama to inspire people to learn. CAT Youth Theatre is a signature program of CAT. It receives generous funding from the NY State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC City Council, and many generous individuals. For further information, visit www.creativeartsteam.org.

CUNY CREATIVE ARTS TEAM

CAT YOUTH THEATRE

LAN•GUAGE

Spring 2017 Original Production

Performance Schedule

Friday February 24th, 7.30pm
Saturday February 25th, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday February 26th, 2.30pm

Tuesday February 28th, 5pm - for school & youth groups
Friday March 3rd, 7.30pm
Saturday March 4th, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday March 5th, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

All performances at the Baruch Performing Arts Center - Nagelberg Theatre

55 Lexington Avenue

Entrance on East 25th Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenue

New York, NY 10010

Tickets $15, $10 students and seniors, group discounts available.

Contact the CAT Youth Theatre for more information at 212-652-2828 or maureen.donohue@mail.cuny.edu.