CAT Youth Theatre Presents DOMINOES

DOMINOES can be made of bone, ivory, wood or plastic. They are passed down through generations, played at family gatherings. It's a game of strategizing, bluffing and manipulation, of winning or losing. Lines of dominoes are set up just to get knocked down.

Where do things start? What sets things off? A breath, a look, a push, a pull, a statement, a question, a passion, an injustice - one thing leads to another - escalating. Do we contribute to the fall? Or stop it? When do we want to be a catalyst? What kind of 'domino effect' can we have on our communities, lives, and the world?

CAT Youth Theatre's production DOMINOES explores these concepts in an original production created by the members of the company.

The award-winning CAT Youth Theatre, founded and directed by Helen White, is a free program that invests in young people and inspires them 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 23rd 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, the power and impact of language, what it means to be an American, and our relationship with the truth.

"In the fall as we explored what the show would be this year, members shared feelings of anxiety. We discussed the rise of the #MeToo movement, the implications of the many natural disasters in the country, and gun violence knocking down entire communities," says Program Director Helen White.

"Members were particularly interested in the 'domino effect'- how one action, positive or negative, can have a significant impact on many further events. While the history of dominoes goes back to 12th century China, we look at their relationship to today and the literal and metaphorical connections we can make."

DOMINOES will be performed at the Baruch Performing Arts Center. Public performances begin Friday, February 23rd and run through Sunday, March 4th. In addition, the CAT Youth Theatre will present an afternoon performance for school and community youth groups on Tuesday, February 27th.

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

The CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT) uses theatre with, for, and by our communities to provoke critical engagement with the world. 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.

Performance Schedule

Friday February 23rd 7.30pm
Saturday February 24th 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday February 25th 2.30pm

Tuesday February 27th 5pm - for school & youth groups
Friday March 2nd 7.30pm
Saturday March 3rd 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday March 4th 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.