Photo Flash: HartBeat Ensemble Completes Free Public Performances, Funds "Free Theater In The Neighborhoods"
By: Gabrielle Sierra Aug. 06, 2009
Thanks in large part to the Hartford's Arts Jobs Stimulus grant to fund "Free Theater In The Neighborhoods", HartBeat Ensemble has just completed a highly successful series of free public performances in five of Hartford's parks. The goal of HartBeat Plays in the Parks is to take an important, often difficult, topic and use the medium of theater to engage audiences. The skilled theater troupe used compelling narratives, music and physical humor to address how the economy "hits home" in Connecticut. As always, this year's Plays in the Parks not only explored the issue at hand, but also showcased the beauty of Hartford's landscapes and the pride that comes from a community event in the city.
In a message to attendees of Plays in the Parks, Mayor Eddie Perez wrote: "HartBeat Ensemble is one of 23 Hartford-based recipients of the newly created Arts and Heritage Grants. By the City partnering with the Greater Hartford Arts Council, 350 employment opportunities are being created here in the Capital City. This series of free productions alone is creating about 30 of those opportunities. In addition, an industry analysis estimates about $7.8 million in "audience impact dollars" could flow into Hartford businesses because of this stimulus incentive. So, this means, together, we are all benefiting from both creative productions and a strengthened economy in these difficult financial times. [HartBeat's] series of performances showcase culture and brings it right to the hearts, minds, and creative spirit of folks from diverse backgrounds. This also gives families and friends a chance to enjoy the arts and each others' company in our beautiful and historic parks."
Jen Yanko, HartBeat's Managing Director says, "HartBeat was able to double the production staff for 2009 Plays in the Parks as well as increase the budgets for costume, props, sets, and rentals." Yanko continues, "HartBeat made it a top priority to buy and employ from Hartford businesses and people. We have seen firsthand the immediate stimulus that Hartford has received with this forward thinking grant."
The second phase of Free Theater In The Neighborhoods take place this winter with a four-week tour of their original holiday play, Ebeneeza: A Hartford Holiday Carol. HartBeat debuted Ebeneeza in December 2006. In Ebeneeza, HartBeat re-tells the classic Dickens story of an old miser's path to rediscovering humanity, but through a local lens. HartBeat will return to the same neighborhoods where they performed Plays in the Parks.
The mission of HartBeat Ensemble is to create original, professional theater about issues that are relevant and critical to the people of Greater Hartford and beyond. Through Mainstage plays, Open-Air performances and Educational programs, HartBeat Ensemble makes theater accessible beyond the barriers of class, race and gender. What makes HartBeat unique is its level of commitment at the artistic and administrative level to the target group of Hartford residents and lower and middle-income audiences. For the last eight years, HartBeat has created based on real stories from our community. HartBeat has consistently demonstrated that theater can be a basic part of what ties a city together.
For further information on HartBeat Ensemble contact Steven Ginsburg at 860-548-9144 x112 or steve.ginsburg@hartbeatensemble.org.
Photo credit Larry Bilansky
Julia B. Roseblatt, Chinaza Uchee, Herbert Newsome
Plays in the Parks 2009
Plays in the Parks 2009
Julia B. Roseblatt, Chinaza Uchee, Herbert Newsome
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