CPT Presents Original Play Created and Performed by Homeless Men in Recovery: REACHING BACK

Cleveland Public Theatre's Education Department and the Cleveland YMCA's Y-Haven Program present Reaching Back, the 2016 CPT/Y-Haven Theatre Project.

Cleveland Public Theatre and Y-Haven present Reaching Back, created and performed by the residents of Y-Haven, a branch of the Greater Cleveland YMCA. A nineteen-year partnership between the two organizations, the project introduces theatre arts to homeless men recovering substance abuse and mental health challenges. As they work with CPT artists to create an original performance based on their personal experiences, participants develop skills and capacities that support their sobriety and transition to employment, permanent housing and independent living.

Reaching Back was developed under the guidance of CPT Education Manager Adam Seeholzer and CPT Teaching Artist Leonard Goff, with set, props and costumes designed by Inda Blatch-Geib.

Life has been great for Lavelle King and his family. Younger brother Nick, an actor, is headed to college on a full scholarship. Cousin Reggie is keeping strong in auto sales, and retired Uncle Al is content spending time reading in his chair or catching up with friends at the barbershop. Lavelle has held his job for five strong years and is up for a promotion. As he sets out to drive his career to new heights, a contact from the past reemerges on the scene, seeking Lavelle's downfall. Reaching Back is a powerful original story that explores the risks and rewards of leaving the past behind, and the wisdom to be earned by moving forward.

A consistent audience favorite, the CPT/Y-Haven Theatre Project offers candid insight into important issues of our society and gives real hope for growth and change. Audiences are deeply moved by the poignant stories presented in this powerful collaboration.

FREE PERFORMANCES AT CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Thursday, November 3rd at 7:30pm
Friday, November 4th at 7:30pm

Sunday, November 6th at 3:00pm

Cleveland Public Theatre's Gordon Square Theatre is located at 6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102.

Suggested donation of $5 accepted to help support the project

SPECIAL BENEFIT PERFORMANCE

Saturday, November 5th at 6:30pm

Cleveland Public Theatre's Gordon Square Theatre

6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH

Tickets for this benefit performance are $75 and include a buffet dinner and performance. To purchase tickets for the benefit, call216.431.2018 ext 3441 Karen Wukela or visit
http://www.clevelandymca.org/y-haven.html

FREE TOUR PERFORMANCES IN THE COMMUNITY

Thursday, November 10th at 7pm

Christ Episcopal Church

3445 Warrensville Center Rd.

Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122

Free, donations accepted

Friday, November 11th at 7pm

Lakewood Congregational Church

1375 West Clifton Blvd. Lakewood, OH

Free, donations accepted

Saturday, November 12th at 4pm

Lakeview Terrace Community Center

1290 W. 25th St.

Cleveland, OH 44113

Free, donations accepted

Y-Haven Artists: Michael Bair, Albert Carpenter, Grant Gober, James Grimes, Brian Hardin-Rogers, Chris Hearn, Antoine Latham, James Pierce, Paul Ray, Gary Smith, Fred Tucker, Arthur Weeams and Chris Zimmer.

CPT Artists: Directed by CPT Education Manager Adam Seeholzer and assistant director, CPT Artist Leonard Goff, with costumes, props and set by Inda Blatch-Geib.

Y-HAVEN THEATRE PROJECT IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Ohio Arts Council, Puffin Foundation West Ltd., Ridgecliff Foundation and Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation.

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE RECEIVES FUNDING FROM

The City of Cleveland, The Cleveland Foundation, Community Shares, Consolidated Solutions, The George Gund Foundation, Jakprints, KeyBank, The David and Inez Myers Foundation, The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, National New Play Network, The Nord Family Foundation, William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation, Deborah and Ron Ratner and The Shubert Foundation.

Cleveland Public Theatre gratefully acknowledges the citizens of Cuyahoga County for their support through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.