The old saying goes that it's all about who you know.
This is more true than ever in today's world: two & a half years on, I am incredibly grateful that a friend from high school introduced me to the New York Shakespeare Exchange family – and I am more proud than ever to be a part of this vital cultural group.
Those of you who know NYSX because you know me might not be aware that the company has actually been around for nine years.
We are now building toward our tenth season, and are continuing to fulfill our mission of bridging cultural divides, starting conversations, promoting education, and bringing communities together through diverse, classically-based programming that re-imagines how Shakespearean theater and poetry can impact our modern world.
Some exciting highlights from this past year include:
Shakespeare for Everyone Festival – a festival emphasizing inclusivity and diversity that had as its centerpiece the world premieres of eight new short plays in heightened language by a group of authors who identify with social, ethnic or gender-based communities with limited interaction with mainstream Shakespeare work and fields of study.
Sonnet Salons & Freestyle Labs – two (ongoing) series of free events that engage the community on a regular basis and spark dialog and conversation about how Shakespeare intersects with the modern world.
Sonnet Project US film in conjunction with The Detroit Public Theatre's Shakespeare in Prisons program – this terrific film of Sonnet 35 was conceived and performed by the female inmates of the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. (watch below)
I continue to be inspired by NYSX's amazing (and growing!) body of work, and the group of people that make it happen.
Won't you join me in supporting NYSX as we continue to grow and find new & engaging ways of inviting communities around the city, around the country, and around the world to experience for themselves that Shakespeare is as relevant as ever?
Please help me reach my fundraising goal with a donation; no gift is too big or too small – every gift will make a difference!
NOTE: If you prefer to dontate by check, please make checks payable to NY Shakespeare Exchange and include my name on the 'notes' line. Mail your check to: NY Shakespeare Exchange, 476 Waverly Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11238