Irondale Celebrates 40th Anniversary Gala with Special Guest Zachary Quinto

Irondale, now celebrating forty years of artistically ambitious, and cutting-edge theatre, has announced its INSPIRE 40th Anniversary Gala at the Brooklyn Winery on June 15, 2023. This momentous evening will celebrate four decades of artistic excellence and dedication to providing a platform for artists and ensembles who believe that art is as integral to life as breathing.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious M. Edgar Rosenblum Award to exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of theater. The award recognizes their outstanding achievements and commitment to pushing the boundaries of art. This year, the organization celebrates Irondale Co-Founder, Barbara Mackenzie-Wood for her work and unwavering commitment to education as an esteemed Professor of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, championing theater as a telling mirror to the world around us while nurturing the next generation of artists. The award will be presented by Zachary Quinto, acclaimed actor known for his roles in Heroes, Star Trek, and American Horror Story, and one of Mackenzie-Wood’s beloved students. A second award will also be given to the courageous children of Ukraine, whom Irondale brought to Brooklyn from Lviv last summer to present Mom on Skype—a work that had been previously performed in a bomb shelter amidst the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The award will be presented by Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Parliament) via zoom. The festive event will also offer a lineup of guest vocal performances including Broadway's Amanda Jane Cooper and Lee Harrington, and appearances by multi-instrumentalist, composer, improviser, and music educator Sam Day Harmet, and modern dancers Elena Demyanenko and Tarik Burnash.

An event to celebrate the history and future of a flourishing organization, Irondale Ensemble Project was founded in 1983 by a collective of three young artists: Barbara Mackenzie-Wood, Jim Niesen, and Terry Greiss. Their shared philosophy and aesthetic led them to create work that challenges norms and represents their artistic vision. Since its inception, Irondale has emerged as a trailblazer in the theater world, known for producing thought-provoking plays and programs that address pressing issues in our society. By exploring the intersection of art, education, community engagement, and social justice, Irondale has become a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for change.

In 2008, Irondale found its permanent home at The Space At Irondale, a converted 19th-century Sunday school in Brooklyn. This versatile Off-Broadway performance space has allowed the company to experiment, create, and perform groundbreaking work. The Space at Irondale has also served as a platform for other theater companies that align with Irondale's mission and embrace the concept of the Citizen Artist— one whose work directly relates to the world in which it is created, challenging norms and provoking discussions on contemporary issues. As part of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Irondale has pledged to offer all its productions free to the public this year, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with transformative theatrical experiences. The evening will raise funds to subsidize ticket costs for audiences during the 2023-2024 season and beyond.