By Luna Lovegood Oct 6, 2004, 16:25 GMT
The Freedom of Expression National Monument is a public artwork by architect Laurie Hawkinson, performer John Malpede, and visual artist Erika Rothenberg and is presented by Creative Time and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council now through November 13, 2004. A plaque on the monument reads "You are cordially invited to step up and speak up."
In a classic exercise of "freedom of speech," actors read these open letters to the President through the monument’s giant, red megaphone. Marcus Woollen, creator of Dear George states, "Public opinion of the President is so sharply divided that interpreting the division through binary polls does not do justice to the passion and intelligence of the American people. Our experiences are far too complex to be adequately reflected by sound bytes or approval ratings. The letters provide a fascinating and complex portrait of our nation today. By presenting individual voices, Dear George is an accessible, non-partisan alternative to the prescribed talking points that too often serve as political debate."
Throughout the month of October, Dear George: Letters to the President will be performed across the country by 28 theatre companies in 18 states. Dear George: Letters to the President will be performed in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
A collection of the 1500 letters received for this project is on view at www.DearGeorgeLetters.com.
Participating Cities and Theatres:
Alaska
* Out North Anchorage, Alaska October 19 (Benefit for Alaska League of Conservation Voters) October 26, 28, 29, 30, Nov. 1 Tickets: (907) 279-3800 or www.TicketLeap.com
Arkansas
* The Weekend Theater Little Rock, Arkansas October 31 Tel: (501) 374.3761
California
* Bus Barn Stage Company Los Altos, California October 25, 27 Tel: (650) 941-0551
* Interactive Asian Contemporary Theatre (InterACT) Sacramento, California Dates to be announced Tel: (916) 267-7280
* Footprint on the Sun at The Powerhouse Theatre Santa Monica, CA October 26 Tel: (310) 396-3680
Florida
* The New Theatre Coral Gables, Florida October 26, 27 Tel: (305) 443-5909
* Gypsy Productions at the Suncoast Theatre in the Suncoast Resort St. Petersburg, Florida October 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 Tel: (727) 644-7077
Indiana
* Stage Actors' Workshop Indianapolis, Indiana October 15, 16, 17 Tel: (317) 634-9063
Kansas
* Lawrence Community Theatre Lawrence, Kansas October 16-17 Tel: (785) 843-7469
Maine
* Mad Horse Theatre Company Portland, Maine October 20, 27 (to be confirmed) Tel: (207) 730-2389
Minnesota
* Chopping Block at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater Minneapolis, Minnesota Dates to be announced Tel: (612) 825-8949
* Starting Gate Productions Loading Dock Theatre St. Paul, Minnesota October 27, 28 at 7:30 pm Tel: (651) 645-3503
New Jersey
* Center Players The Center Playhouse Freehold, New Jersey October 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 Tel: (732) 462-9093
New York
* The Culture Project at 45 Bleecker West 50th Street Productions New York, New York October 31, November 1 Tel: (212) 604 4620
North Carolina
* Asheville Theatre Announcement Soon
* Carolina Actors Studio Theatre Charlotte, North Carolina Dates to be announced Tel: (704) 455-8542
* Curtain Call Productions Concord, North Carolina Dates to be announced
* Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall Davidson, North Carolina October 30-31 Tel: (704) 894-7002
* Theatre-on-a-Stick Hickory, North Carolina October 8, 9 Tel: (828) 962-4766
Oklahoma
* Stage Door Theatrical Company Moore, Oklahoma October 16 Tel: (405) 701-0014
Ohio
* Dublin Arts and Music Festival Emerald City Players Dublin, Ohio September 26
* MadLab Theatre Columbus, Ohio October 31, November 1, 2 Tel: (614) 470-2333
Pennsylvania
* InterAct Theatre Company Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dates to be announced Tel: (215) 568-8077
* State College Community Theatre Webster's Bookstore Cafe State College, Pennsylvania October 15 Tel: (814) 234-1507
Texas
* Vortex Repertory Company Austin, Texas October 18 Tel: (512) 478-5282
Utah
* Plan-B Theatre Company Salt Lake City, Utah October 31 Tel: (801) 201-9791
Virginia
* Stage 4 ShennanArts Staunton, Virginia October 23 Tel: (540) 248-1868
Wyoming
* Global Cafe Lander, Wyoming October 1 Tel: (307) 332-7900 Special food bank food drive: Admission $5 or 5 cans of food
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