The Creative Center at University Settlement Hosts Showcase

The Creative Center at University Settlement Hosts Showcase featuring monologues written by people living with illness, read by notable performers

New York, NY (March 12, 2021) – The Creative Center, a program of University Settlement, offers daily, free-of-charge, art workshops in visual, literary and performing arts to people living with cancer and other chronic illnesses as an antidote to the isolation and fear that often accompanies a serious diagnosis while helping them discover their own creative resources. Workshops, taught by professional artists, are now held remotely because of public health measures imposed by the pandemic- and the resulting work has been astounding.

This was absolutely true of Playwriting: Monologues for Zoom Performance, a four-session workshop aimed at crafting stories specifically to engage online audiences, taught by playwright Sheri Wilner that had participants committed to diving deep into a new and exciting creative process. “With theatres remaining closed until Spring of 2021 and public gatherings still dangerous, Zoom has become the only way for us to share theatrical writing with others,” says Wilner.

It became increasingly important to the group, all of whom, because of their illness, are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, that The Creative Center host an event to share the work with a wider “live” audience, albeit remotely. The monologues will be performed by professional actors including Greg Woods, Niya Colbert, Susan Riley Stevens, Diana Burbano, and Jully Lee.

“The pandemic has forced the theatre industry to confront how inaccessible this art form is for people living with illness and/or disability”, says Shaun Leisher, a dramaturg chosen to assist with the development of this showcase. “The Creative Center is making sure that people who have long been ignored by the theatre are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tell their stories. Theatre moving to the virtual world has given the opportunity to create great art to people who are simply unable to get to the physical venues.”

Arts and Wellness Manager Sophia Heinecke adds, “Having a space to create online and to be able to share your work with others is vital if you are in the throes of illness and treatment, can’t leave the hospital, or are home, exhausted from radiation or chemotherapy. This virtual showcase is just one more way we can better serve our community.”

The Monologue Showcase will take place Friday April 9, 5:00- 7:00 PM EST.

Register to attend this free event by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsde-vpzsoHNNP9K4Yz5F1LHht17fmBbdB

Contact:
Sophia Heinecke, Manager of Arts and Wellness
The Creative Center at University Settlement Info@thecreativecenter.org

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