Milwaukee Rep Receives NEA Art Works Grant in Support of THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that Milwaukee Repertory Theater is one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. Milwaukee Repertory Theater is recommended for a $20,000 grant to support The History of Invulnerability.

The History of Invulnerability examines the genesis of comic book superheroes - specifically Superman - as a response to the Holocaust. The play takes place in the mind of Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman, just before his death, and navigates the artist's pursuit of recognition for his work and longing for strength and invulnerability in the face of personal weakness and the evil of the Holocaust.

Milwaukee Rep's production of The History of Invulnerability will be the third time the play has ever been produced and will utilize state-of-the-art projection systems to tell the harrowing story. The Rep will partner with the Jewish Museum Milwaukee and the Jewish Community Center to host a series of activities in conjunction with the production. The production will run in The Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse from April 8 - May 4.

Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts."

"We are so pleased that the NEA believed in our project enough to support this groundbreaking production for Milwaukee Repertory Theater," said Managing Director Chad Bauman. "The artistic and technical challenges of this production demand an added level of financial support, so their grant will enhance the onstage experience significantly. We are extremely grateful for their endorsement of our work."

Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 895 are recommended for grants for a total of $23.4 million.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at www.arts.gov.

To learn more about Milwaukee Rep or its productions, go to www.MilwaukeeRep.com.