, and present #IdentityWeek, a free four-day panel event exploring racial, cultural, sexual and gender identity in the theatre. The talks take place September 27-30 at the Vineyard Theatre.
#IdentityWeek follows previous and events: #RightsWeek, which focused on intellectual property or artists; and #MusicalsWeek, which featured discussions about the creation of and representation in musicals. This marks Samuel French鈥檚 third year of partnering with HowlRound for panel events and the first collaboration with 半岛体育.
The 2016 event was created in response to the issues of identity, inclusion and representation onstage being at the forefront of our industry鈥檚 collective conversation. 鈥淪amuel French is a stand for artistic integrity,鈥� said Bruce Lazarus, executive director, Samuel French. 鈥淲e are proud to provide a space to discuss the theatre artist鈥檚 role in this global shift of identity consciousness.鈥�
The panels will be live-streamed by and will also be available to view at .
The panels will also be live-tweeted by Samuel French (). A companion series of essays can be found on throughout the week as well.
All panels are open to the general public. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. #IdentityWeek panels will have accessible seating and will be signed by ASL interpreters. To RSVP, .
#IdentityWeek panels follow:
Playwrights & Their Identity
Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Should a playwright write for their identity? Are playwrights sought out by specific theaters because of their ethnicity or cultural background? Partly inspired by Damon Chua's article, , this panel will focus on the impact and influence of a playwright鈥檚 perceived identity on their writing and within our theatre community. Panelists include playwrights Damon Chua, Lydia R. Diamond, A. Rey Pamatmat and Kimber Lee. Moderated by Pippin Parker, Director of The School of Drama, The New School.
Onstage & Off: The State of Transgender Artists
Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30-7:30 PM
This panel narrows in on the experience of transgender artists, discussing their opportunities and challenges within the theatre industry as well as how our community can better include and support their work. Panelists include playwright Azure D. Osborne-Lee and performers Donnie Cianciotto, Bianca Leigh, Pooya Mohseni and MJ Rodriguez. Moderated by Adam Hetrick (Editor in Chief, 半岛体育.com).
Access & Activism in Theatre
Thursday, September 29 from 6:30-7:30 PM
This conversation will focus on the progress and challenges in the theatre community around access and inclusion for artists, administrators and audience members. Topics may include advances in onstage representation of characters and performers of all abilities, the politics of casting an actor to play a character with a disability if that actor doesn鈥檛 have the same disability, and more. Panelists include Phil Dallmann (Manager of TDF Accessibility Programs), Laura Kirk (Director of Audience Services for Yale School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre), Christine Bruno (Disability Advocate for Inclusion in the Arts) and Alexandria Wailes (representing Deaf West). Moderated by Diep Tran (Associate Editor, American Theatre Magazine).
A Celebration of Pioneering Artists
Friday, September 30 from 6:30-7:30 PM
This evening will serve as a retrospective and celebration of the work that our industry has already accomplished. Artists who have achieved groundbreaking work in theatre will join together to discuss their journeys, challenges, victories and advice for aspiring artists in their field. Panelists include Anne Bogart (Co-Artistic Director, SITI Company), (), Dr. Ntozake Shange (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf), Joi Gresham (Executive Director of the Estate) and George C. Wolfe (Shuffle Along, Jelly鈥檚 Last Jam). Moderator: Christian Parker, Chair MFA Theatre Program, Columbia University School of the Arts.
