Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Irvington Theater to Present Virtual Event on Inclusion in the Arts Featuring Viola Ratcliffe, Devanand Janki and More

The event will cover a range of timely topics on November 2nd.

By:
Irvington Theater to Present Virtual Event on Inclusion in the Arts Featuring Viola Ratcliffe, Devanand Janki and More Image

In response to the racial reckoning happening in industries nationwide, Irvington Theater hears from educators, activists, and creators of color on November 2 about implementing change to create more inclusive, equitable, and diverse artistic spaces.

Among the program's many featured innovators is Devanand Janki, director-choreographer, Broadway actor, and Artistic Director of Live & In Color; Viola Ratcliffe, a Birmingham, Alabama-based art historian and Program Manager of Bib & Tucker Sew-Op; Samantha Rei, activist and Project Runway fashion designer; New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and Bobby Rivers, beloved host, television personality, and entertainment reporter who, as his blog puts it, "interviewed Paul McCartney in London, had a cocktail with Lucille Ball in her home... [and] worked with Whoopi Goldberg."

In her work at Bib & Tucker, Ratcliffe teaches sewing to promote empowerment, education, and economic opportunity: "There are so many phenomenal artists right in our back yard... they may not always have the same exposure or recognition, but their work is no less valuable... especially when artists are really involved in what's going on in their communities and they're using their art as a way to bring awareness to issues."

Through a series of thoughtful (and at times incredibly personal) video segments, Inspiring Inclusion in the Arts will center ideas, perspectives, and voices that have been historically marginalized. The event will cover a range of timely topics including the responsibility of artists, the importance of investing in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and the power of representation.

"Growing up Black and gay, I never imagined someone like me could run for Congress, let alone win," says Mondaire Jones, the Democratic candidate running to represent New York's 17th congressional district who will be among those featured in this streaming event. "That's because I never saw someone like myself in the halls of power."

Inspiring Inclusion in the Arts will stream at 7:30pm on Monday, November 2 as part of In Our Own Words, Irvington Theater's series that brings issues of social justice center stage through art and conversation. Purchase your ticket ($12 per household) to receive the viewing link and password at irvingtontheater.com/irvingtonanywhere.

Irvington Theater is home to a diverse range of innovative programming that entertains, enlightens, and inspires, establishing itself over its 118-year history as the cultural heart of the Rivertowns. The theater continues its tradition with unprecedented reach with "Irvington Anywhere," their entirely virtual fall season of short films, lively concerts, and classic celebrations. Irvington Anywhere is made possible thanks to the generous support of Eric Bernstein of Compass, Dobbs Ferry.





Need more Rockland / Westchester Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


Miss Maybell and the Jazz Age Artistes in Rockland / Westchester Miss Maybell and the Jazz Age Artistes
Jazz On Main (8/21-8/21)
Sunday brunch with Peter Janson in Rockland / Westchester Sunday brunch with Peter Janson
Jazz On Main (8/30-8/30)
The Normal Heart in Rockland / Westchester The Normal Heart
Studio Theater In Exile (6/12-6/28)
The Keith Chasin Trio - Let Freedom Ring in Rockland / Westchester The Keith Chasin Trio - Let Freedom Ring
Jazz On Main (7/03-7/03)
Tamuz Nissim Trio in Rockland / Westchester Tamuz Nissim Trio
Jazz On Main (9/04-9/04)
Hey Rim Jeon & Friends in Rockland / Westchester Hey Rim Jeon & Friends
Jazz On Main (10/17-10/17)
THE ANDERSON BROTHERS PLAY RICHARD RODGERS in Rockland / Westchester THE ANDERSON BROTHERS PLAY RICHARD RODGERS
Jazz On Main (10/10-10/10)
Stan Ayeroff solo in Rockland / Westchester Stan Ayeroff solo
Jazz On Main (8/27-8/27)
Amanda Monaco's Glitter Quartet in Rockland / Westchester Amanda Monaco's Glitter Quartet
Jazz On Main (9/05-9/05)
Twelfth Night: 1941 in Rockland / Westchester Twelfth Night: 1941
Morton Memorial Library (7/18-7/18)