Westport Country Playhouse Receives Connecticut Humanities Grant

Westport Country Playhouse, a not-for-profit organization, received an $18,500 grant from Connecticut Humanities to support its community engagement initiative, "Threads of Time, Fabric of History: 'Intimate Apparel' in Context." The series of events will run in October, concurrently with the Playhouse production of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage's play, "Intimate Apparel."

"Threads of Time, Fabric of History: 'Intimate Apparel' in Context" will examine America's hidden history, the many overlooked or forgotten stories that comprise the national identity. The community engagement initiative explores the play's multi-faceted themes of labor, immigration, race, religion, New York at the turn of the 20th century, class relations, and women's issues. Programming will include speakers, panels, educator workshop, film, family events, and a month-long lobby exhibit, as well as events off-campus.

"I'm so grateful that Connecticut Humanities chose to recognize and support the work of this important initiative," said David Kennedy, associate artistic director. "With our wide range of speakers and events, we hope to have some of the most interesting public conversations in Fairfield County in the month of October, offering anyone who wants to join us the chance to think, explore, and reflect on the American past and present from multiple unique points of view."

2014 marks the fifth consecutive year that the Playhouse has undertaken an enhanced programming initiative surrounding one of its productions. This year's initiative involves community partners from all over the state and beyond, including Amistad Center for Art & Culture at The Wadsworth Atheneum; The Carver Center of Connecticut; Center for African-American Studies, Wesleyan University; Connecticut League of History Organizations; CT Humanities; Facing History and Ourselves; Housatonic Community College; Links, Inc. of Fairfield County, New Haven, and Westchester; Norwalk Community College; Sacred Heart University; TEAM Westport; Unitarian Church in Westport; Westport Cinema Initiative; Westport Historical Society; and The Westport Library.

Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. These programs bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org.

In addition to CTH, "Threads of Time, Fabric of History: 'Intimate Apparel' in Context" has been made possible through the generous funding of Art Works and The Graham Foundation. Media Sponsor is Hearst Media Services.

A complete calendar of events is available on-line at westportplayhouse.org, or a special brochure may be requested by calling the Playhouse box office at 203-227-4177.