Archive: Arts & Entertainment

Civic Ensemble presents Home: A Living Newspaper, an updated treatment of the federally funded Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) in the late 1930's. Set in an unnamed Ithaca cafe, Home, addresses the issue of housing in Ithaca through the experience of a newcomer from South America as she and her family look for a place to call home. Her story is interspersed with an investigation of related news stories and questions about where we stand as citizens in our city, our country and our world.

Franklin Roosevelt created the FTP in order to put theatre artists to work during the depression and to present socially and politically relevant theatre with local as well as national themes and to do so at affordable prices. Led by Hallie Flannigan, the FTP generated many original works, and had many "units" including a classical unit, Negro unit, and units performing vaudeville, children's plays, puppet shows, caravan productions, and the new plays unit.

The FTP was the center of controversy over its political takes on national and international topics and accusations of communism, inefficiency, and being a propaganda machine. The House Un-American Activities Committee shut down the Project in 1938.  Civic Ensemble rekindles the form with Home.

"The Federal Theatre Project made theatre accessible to everyone in both its free admission and its subject matter. Inclusion means everyone gets to participate. Participation in the cultural life of the community is the birthright of every member of our community." says Artistic Director Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr.

"Very simply, Home tells the story of a newcomer to Ithaca and her struggle to find safe, affordable housing. Her journey presents us with questions about how the current housing situation in Ithaca impacts real people as they struggle to find a small piece of the 'good life' so many come to Ithaca to find," notes Director of Civic Engagement Sarah K. Chalmers.

Home features several Civic Ensemble regulars including Ed Dvorak and Rachel Gould of Safety and Parent Stories, Deborah Campbell and Mar Perez of Parent Stories, and Dean Robinson of Lenin's Shoe. Cole Long, a regular at Ithaca Shakespeare Festival and Theatre Incognita, joins Civic for the first time on stage. Jayme Kilburn, PhD Candidate in the Cornell Department of Performing and Media Arts is contributing her writing skill to the project by scripting many of the scenes based on the actors' improvisations. Artistic Director Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr. directs with assistance from Sarah K. Chalmers, Director of Civic Engagement.

The production will be presented at the Kitchen Theatre Company Monday, February 23 at 7:30pm.

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