Having a hard time choosing which Valley events to attend this weekend? When in doubt, support a good cause — like domestic violence prevention.
Dias Dance Life presents a domestic violence project called “Don’t Give Up! Moving On!” Sunday, Oct 3, at the newly renovated and re-opened Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. Tickets for the 3pm or 7pm show run just $15.
The company specializes in “community-wide participatory events which explore new forms of expression and address issues of cultural, social, and political concern.” Sunday’s performance is “targeted toward mature audiences due to some scenes containing simulations of domestic violence themes.”
Season offerings for several arts organizations feature fare with a social justice flair. Here’s a brief sampling:
The Paradise Valley Community College Theatre Department tackles issues of government regulation and corporate monopolies as it presents “Urinetown: The Musical,” a work that considers the “pay-to-pee” policies of a futuristic city struggling with severe drought. It’ll run Nov 12-21 at the PVCC Performing Arts Center (call the box office at 602-787-7738 for tickets).
The South Mountain Community College Theatre Department presents two social justice works this season — one based on a classic Harper Lee novel published nearly 50 years ago and another based on a new work written by Patricia Loughrey (with music by Thomas Hodges).
SMCC presents “Dear Harvey,” a new theater work celebrating the life and accomplishments of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, who was assassinated in 1978 along with San Francisco’s Mayor George Moscone. It runs Nov 3-6 at the SMCC Performance Hall in Phoenix. They’ll present “To Kill a Mockingbird” — a work set in 1930s Alabama that explores issues of race, class and inequality — April 13-16, 2011.
Arizona School for the Arts in Phoenix demonstrated their commitment to social justice theater with their production two years ago of an Elizabeth Swados musical titled “Runaways” — based on the lives of runaway youth living on the streets during the late 1970s. They also offer a theater arts course dedicated to theater and social justice issues.
Next year they’ll present “Triangle,” a play that examines the plight of immigrant and child laborers working at a New York City factory that burned to the ground in 1911 — as well the fire’s aftermath and its effect on people and policies.
Playwright Christopher Piehler (in association with Scott Alan Evan) uses eyewitness accounts, court transcripts and other archival material to recount and reflect upon this lesser known New York tragedy fueled by industrial greed. ASA’s production is scheduled for Apr 28-May 1, 2011.
Several Valley venues will present Holocaust-related art exhibits and performances in the coming weeks and months, so look for tomorrow’s post dedicated to the art of Holocaust remembrance.
— Lynn
Note: If your arts organization is presenting a dance, music, theater or visual art piece with a strong social justice component, please let our readers know by offering a brief comment below. Click here to learn about Domestic Violence Awareness month events taking place at Mesa Community College.
Coming up: The art of Holocaust remembrance, Fall break art camps, Theater by and for youth, “Waiting for Superman” review
*Detail, “History of the Needlecraft Industry” (1938), by Ernest Feeney, High School of Fashion and Industry (A mural commissioned by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union)
