Archive: Arts & Entertainment

Photo by Durst BreneiserOn February 23, 2015, Civic Ensemble premiered Home: A Living Newspaper, an updated treatment of the federally funded Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) in the late 1930's. 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.

The performance of Home played to a sold out audience at the Kitchen Theatre and was followed by a discussion during which participants were asked to break into small groups and answer one of two questions posed by Civic artists. Those questions were: What are some creative solutions to the problem of Affordable Housing in Ithaca?, and What challenges do we face as individuals who want to get involved with improving the housing situation in Ithaca? About 50 people stayed for the discussion. Discussion groups came up with several solutions including: regulation to diversify ownership and competition for renters, public transit improvements and more buses to outlying areas, encourage more communal housing, and making sure potential renters know their rights. Part of the play dealt with the Fair Housing Act and common instances in which landlords and agents may violate the law.

Suggestions for what challenges individuals face who want to get involved in improving the housing situation varied from 'Who do you talk to?' and 'Where do you start?' to 'Lack of community,' 'NIMBY (not in my backyard),' 'Not having representation,' and 'Not being listened to.' Several audience members suggested a remount of the play and a community tour to start the conversation about affordable housing with more people.

Home featured several Civic Ensemble regulars including 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, joined Civic for the first time on stage. Two Ithaca College students, Oghenera Gbaje and Nathiel Tejada, rounded out the cast. Jayme Kilburn, PhD Candidate in the Cornell Department of Performing and Media Arts scripted many of the scenes based on the actors' improvisations. Artistic Director Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr. and Sarah K. Chalmers, Director of Civic Engagement, co-directed the piece.

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