Pontine Theatre Receives $4,000 Grant from Lincoln Financial Foundation

Pontine Theatre has received a $4,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation to tour scenes from its original production, New England Utopia, to eleven assisted and independent living communities for seniors located throughout New Hampshire. Touring activities take place in May and June 2015.

Pontine Theatre specializes in creating original plays based on the history and literature of New England. Several years ago the company created New England Utopia which explores the 19th century New England Transcendentalist Movement founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Bronson Alcott (father of Louisa May). Pontine's play particularly looked at three communities established by these uniquely American philosophers: the movement that grew up around Emerson in Concord MA, Brook Farm in West Roxbury MA, and Fruitlands in Harvard MA.

Pontine has a special interest in reaching senior audiences through performances at assisted living communities, nursing homes and senior centers. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the New England population - they are also the most avid attendees of live performances - yet many are no longer able to travel, or have limited access to live professional theatre productions. By bringing the performance to them, Pontine addresses an important, though often overlooked constituency.

Programs related to New England subjects are of deep interest to these New Hampshire audiences. They engage both intellect and memory, leading to lively, stimulating discussions. They also have a deeper therapeutic value. Many seniors who reside at nursing homes and assisted living communities have lost family, friends and homes. They often battle depression and feelings of isolation. Arts programs help to keep seniors connected to the larger world around them by stimulating curiosity, bringing them together in positive and engaging activity, and reminding them of the value of their own heritage.

Cost is a serious challenge for many of these communities that the needs of New Hampshire's senior citizens. Without assistance many would be unable to afford cultural programs for their residents. Support from the Lincoln Financial Foundation funds Pontine's performances in Concord, Derry, Dover, Lebanon, Manchester, Meredith, Nashua, New London, Newmarket and Pittsfield. Pontine's programs are also supported by grants from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo Credit: Andrew Edgar

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