Harold Pinter said "I believe that, despite the enormous odds which exist, unflinching, unswerving, fierce intellectual determination, as citizens, to define the real truth of our lives and our societies, is a crucial obligation. It is, in fact, mandatory."
Accountability is critical to democracy. At a time when grave challenges threaten American democracy, only a groundswell of public engagement can restore American values and moral standing in the world. At this crucial moment, Culture Project presents Blueprint for Accountability, a monthly series that asks “How can we empower ourselves to hold our leaders - in government, education and corporate institutions - accountable for the events of the past and the conditions of the future?”
In a bold new hybrid of investigative journalism and theater, Blueprint for Accountability brings together the world’s leading experts in politics and journalism with the most visionary artists of our time to create an architectural plan for restoring accountability into our culture.
"WORKING THE DARK SIDE" is streaming now!
If you missed “Working the Dark Side,” with Rachel Maddow, Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez, Vince Warren and Ron Suskind, a specially edited version of the program is below, thanks to our friends at LinkTV! Watch the groundbreaking evening where Lt. General Sanchez called for a historic truth commission to investigate war crimes – the first major figure from the Iraq theater to do so.
Tortured Law
Culture Project's "Blueprint for Accountability" series continues with TORTURED LAW, an extraordinary night of art and activism at Judson Memorial Church. The event will open with a screening of Alliance for Justice’s short documentary film Tortured Law, which examines the role Bush administration lawyers played in authorizing the use of techniques that many would call “torture” in detainee interrogations, and continue with a live theater performance of Theaters Against War’s highly acclaimed production DENIED, chronicling the inhumane conditions of confinement and decimation of due process rights of American citizen Fahad Hashmi.
Hashmi has been held in solitary confinement for nearly three years awaiting trial for alleged material support of terrorism. The performance of DENIED features cast members Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America, Wit, Talking Heads) and longtime Howard Zinn collaborator Brian Jones.
Following the film and performance, a panel of distinguished scholars and social activists will lead a provocative discussion about the need for transparency and accountability for US torture. Featured speakers and panelists include: Matthew Alexander, Senior Fellow, Open Society Institute; Hope Metcalf, Associate Research Scholar in Law, Yale Law School; Jean Theoharis, Author and Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, City University of New York; and Vince Warren, Executive Director, Center for Constitutional Rights; with moderator Nan Aron, President of Alliance for Justice.
County of Kings
Half Puerto Rican. Half Norwegian. Two-time felon. One Hell of a show.
Academy Award nominated director Spike Lee, Culture Project, Steve Colman, Jayson Jackson, and Tom Wirtshafter in association with The Public Theater present
County of Kings
Written and performed by Lemon Andersen, and developed and directed by Elise Thoron, County of Kings begins performances Tuesday, September 29 for a six week limited engagement at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street.
The Atheist
Barrow Street Theatre
Culture Project and Circle in the Square present:
THE ATHEIST
"An EXPOSE of our diseased, contemporary culture! Scott imbues the writing with SAVAGE WIT!" - The New York Times
"The Atheist proves to be the perfect match of magnificent actor and gripping play. Don't miss it!" - Theatermania.com
"...an enjoyable visit with a guy you’ll love to despise." - The Star Ledger
A "witty, compelling performance." - Associated Press
"Scott has enough hypnotic charisma for about five actors, keeping the audience enthralled!" - Variety
"...Deeply, painfully funny." - Boston Globe
Starring Campbell Scott; written by Ronan Noone; directed by Justin Waldman.
Campbell Scott (whose numerous film credits include The Secret Lives of Dentists, Roger Dodger, and ABC's Six Degrees) returns for a limited time only as Augustine Early in The Atheist, on the heels of a sold-out run at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Tickets for the sneak-peek performance at Culture Project in May sold out in just one week!
In Conflict
Culture Project presents Temple University's acclaimed production
IN CONFLICT
Iraq veterans speak out on duty, loss, and the fight to stay alive
Best New Play
– Philadelphia Weekly, 2008.
WINNER of Fringe First Award
– Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2008.
Expatriate
EXPATRIATE, the explosive play with all-vocal music was hailed as “a feast for the eyes and ears” (NYTheater.com) and received rave reviews from critics!
"Ms. Moïse has written a thoughtful narrative laden with observations about childhood, black identity in the United States and abroad, and the cost of show business on performers." - New York Times.
A “freshly imaginative” (NY Post) an uncompromising look at the complexities of fame, sexuality and art, Expatriate pulses with “an abundance of heart and conviction” (NYTheater.com) as Claudie and Alphine weave their “powerfully sung” contagious jazz-pop songs throughout the show.
Claudie and Alphine, black American artists, are childhood friends struggling against the addiction and sexual trauma that runs in their family histories. They flee to Paris to realize their dreams of musical success, supporting themselves as performers on the streets of Paris, and rising to fame as singing group Black Venus. But while Claudie finds sexual freedom, artistic sustenance and spiritual regeneration through her new life – Alphine’s hunger for adoration from a celebrity-mad culture has tragic consequences.
EXPATRIATE is an engaging exploration of black womanhood, friendship, sexuality, and freedom, celebrating characters in the spirit of Nina Simone, Josephine Baker, and the Hottentot Venus. With only a JamMan loop machine at their feet, real-life rising stars Lenelle Moïse and Karla Mosley make intricate, haunting and stirring music as they weave the story of singing group Black Venus's rise to fame.
VARIETY calls the show “compelling” and says “both thesps are sensational. Moise’s calm soulfulness is an excellent counterpoint to Mosley’s raw-nerve energy.”
NYTHEATER.COM says, “Expatriate is certainly a force for good on the theatrical landscape… Director Tamilla Woodard’s direction is elegant, organic, and unpredictable.”
And BACKSTAGE says, “Lenelle Moise’s music, created by a JamMan loop machine and a powerful voice singing evocative lyrics, has a beat that gets under your skin, fascinating rhythm, and a real theatrical power.”
Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum
BREAKING THE SILENCE, BEATING THE DRUM
2009 Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance
of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
On March 25, 1807 a group of nations joined together for what was arguably the first international human rights initiative: the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. In recognition of that event, the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted a resolution designating March 25 as an International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
On March 25, 2009 Culture Project presented Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum, a major concert commemorating the abolition of the Trans-atlantic slave trade. Held in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations, one of the most unique venues in the world, the concert featured artists from Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Central and Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Featured artists:
* Akon & Peter Buffett * Blind Boys of Alabama * * Izaline Calister *
Staceyann Chin * Toumani Diabate * * Whoopi Goldberg * Gilberto Gil * Sarah Jones * Salif Keita * * Carl Lewis * Emeline Michel * Lenelle Moise * * CCH Pounder * Phylicia Rashad * Nile Rodgers * * Passing Strange’s Stew *
Betrayed
In early 2007, George Packer published an article in The New Yorker about Iraqi interpreters who jeopardized their lives on behalf of the Americans in Iraq, with little or no U.S. protection or security.
Tings Dey Happen
Dan Hoyle tells the comic and profound story of Nigeria's oil madness in Tings Dey Happen, based on Hoyle's year in Nigeria as a Fulbright Scholar.
Directed by Will Pomerantz & Rob Urbinati
Adapted by Rob Urbinati
Culture Project stands with activist scholar Howard Zinn, asserting that our nation's problem is not civil disobedience, but civil obedience.
At a time when voices of dissent have been relegated to "free speech zones" and diminished in the mainstream media, Rebel Voices brings to life inspirational and challenging stories of protest from U.S. history – and today. The play seeks to combat hopelessness by igniting the forces responsible for arousing change and celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
Cast: Opal Alladin, Tim Cain, Morgan Hallett, Lenelle Moïse, Allison Moorer, Thom Rivera
Special Guests Confirmed Dates:
Staceyann Chin (November 13-18)
Steve Earle (November 24-25)
Danny Glover (December 1)
Lili Taylor (December 4)
Wallace Shawn (December 9, 11-12)
Rich Robinson, of the Black Crowes(December 15-16)
Set in the summer of 2001, Till the Break of Dawn, a new play written and directed by Danny Hoch, in association with Hip-Hop Theater Festival, chronicles a group of activists - teachers and artists - who attend a hip hop festival in Havana and find there struggling Cubans, global Hip Hip youths, and even a Black Panther in exile - a woman who challenges (and ultimately strengthens) the New Yorkers' commitments to activism and to each other.
At the dawn of a turbulent new era, Danny's crew learns that only after traveling far from home can they put their lives in perspective - and only then can their true education in the politics of social change begin.
"Sensitive, fair, and right on target. Hoch's political commentary is the sexiest thing to hit New York since shisha bars."
-- Raquel Cepeda
"It's not often that we get to listen to the voices of the artists, activists, and young professionals that represent the idealism, thirst for social justice, and contradictions of the hip-hop generations.
"TV, radio, magazines, and newspapers are usually saturated by hip-hop's most predictable and clichéd products. That is why I enthusiastically recommend folks go see the play Till the Break of Dawn, written and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Danny Hoch.
"Casi nunca tenemos la oportunidad de escuchar las voces de los artistas y profesionales jóvenes que representan el idealismo, la sed de justicia social y las contradicciones de las generaciones hip-hop.
"Las ondas radiales, televisivas y la prensa escrita están frecuentemente saturadas por los productos hip-hop más trillados y predecibles. Es por eso que les recomiendo con gran entusiasmo que vean la obra teatral Till the Break of Dawn, escrita y dirigida por Danny Hoch, ganador del premio Obie en dos ocasiones."
-- Raquel Z. Rivera, author of New York Ricans from the Hip Hop Zone (2003) and the forthcoming Reading Reggaeton (2007)
A Question of Impeachment
A Question of Impeachment premiered at Culture Project November 18 – December 16, 2007. The series gathered some of the most brilliant and visionary minds of our time to explore and debate the case for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
View the whole series at Culture Project’s channel on Podango, or view highlights below:
Written and presented by award-winning author and screenwriter Lawrence Wright, My Trip To Al-Qaeda is a must-see multimedia presentation based on Mr. Wright’s recent bestseller The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11.
This unique production follows in Al Gore’s footsteps, using facts, figures, sounds, and slides to weave the details of Al-Qaeda's rise to power into a compelling, eye-opening story.
Mr. Wright is the author of The Siege, starring Bruce Willis, and Noriega: God’s Favorite, among many others. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Bahr takes us into the colorful world of a Tel Aviv café, only minutes before a suicide bomber enters. Here we are allowed entry into the lives of numerous inhabitants from all strata of Israeli society, as well as its observers and critics: eccentric, lost, hilarious souls whose lives, quirks, and neuroses are channeled through Bahr’s remarkable characterizations and ability to bring humor to even the most dire and tragic of circumstances.
In searing and uplifting interviews, veteran human rights defender Kerry Kennedy examines the quality of courage within women and men who are dramatically changing the course of events in their communities and countries. Imprisoned, tortured, and threatened with death, they speak with compelling eloquence on subjects to which they have devoted their lives and for which they have been willing to sacrifice.
This unforgettable affirmation of the human spirit chronicles the struggles of fifty human rights activists, including Vaclav Havel, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, and more than thirty individuals who have devoted themselves to human rights, including Kailash Satyarthi, who has freed tens of thousands of victims of child labor in his native India, and Juliana Dogbadzi, who liberates African girls bound for sexual slavery.
In Eve Ensler's edgy new political tour de force performances by Portia and Dylan McDermott, a traumatized soldier seeks help and redemption from a military pyschiatrist in a searing exploration of torture and accountability.
"A gripping and provocative two-character play, expertly produced by The Culture Project, about the psychological aftermath of performing cruel acts in the service of one's country...a MUST SEE." -- Broadway World
"You cannot take your eyes or your mind off of what is happening in front of you." -- Roberta Flack
"Left me gasping for air. The play forces the audience to consider the fate of those asked to torture for America and the cost such brutal inhumanity inflicts on us all." -- Michael Ratner, President, Center for Constitutional Rights
AMAJUBA: Like Doves We Rise
Created and Directed by Yael Farber
Written in collaboration with the cast based on their life experiences
Performed by: Tshallo Chokwe, Roelf Matlala, Bongeka Mpongwana, Phillip “Tipo” Tindisa and Jabulile Tshabalala
Based on the real lives of the five South Africans, AMAJUBA: Like Doves We Rise is a breathtaking portrayal of growing up in Apartheid. This unforgettable theatrical experience, told through heartwrenching narration, traditional dance, and stunning a capella harmonies, is a celebration of the strength of the human spirit.
"Heartfelt, fierce, and powerfully performed." - NY Times"Heartbreaking, riveting and inspiring...a thrilling American premiere. There is no excuse for the savvy theatergoer to miss Amajuba." - Theatermania"Exuberant and mournful music.Inspired.Haunting..." - NY Sun
For information about future performances, please contact Kriegsmann Enterprises LLC, dba ArKtype email: thomaskriegsmann@earthlink.net
Guardians
By Peter Morris. Directed by Jason Moore.
The images of war. Snapshots from Abu Ghraib that depict atrocities
committed in the name of freedom. Tabloid images of English soldiers abusing
an Iraqi prisoner that are later revealed as fakes. And somewhere between
England and America, between savagery and spin, lies the truth. A new play
dares to imagine the truth behind the images that shocked the world.
“An urgent theatrical event! A play that can whip frenzy out of vibrant ideas!” -- Mark Blakenship, Variety
“POWERFUL! The exceptionally gifted actor Lee Pace gleams with menacing charm while Katherine Moennig movingly suggests a naïve and once-hopeful young woman. Playwright Peter Morris masters the sharply contrasting vernaculars of this pair of characters."
-- Charles Isherwood, NY Times
Karla
Written by Steve Earle. Directed by Bruce Kronenberg.
A brilliant new play by Grammy Award winning singer songwriter Steve Earle about convicted double murderer Karla Faye Tucker. The cast of five includes Obie awarding winning actress Jodie Markell as Karla.
During Women Center Stage 2004, The Culture Project presented over 20 different productions and events, providing over 100 artists with the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to further develop their talent. Artists the participated in the 2004 festival included Mercedes Ruehl, Lynn Redgrave, Rain Pryor and Staceyann Chin.
Women Center Stage 2005 partnered with Planned Parenthood to "explore women's choices and amplify women's voices" during an exciting four week festival. Throughout the festival, we delved into the social, economic, religious, and political issues surrounding child bearing and child rearing. The Culture Project promoted Planned Parenthood in all advertising and outreach, distributed Planned Parenthood's literature, and hosted a variety of collaborative post-performance panels on pertinent issues, while collecting donations throughout the festival to benefit both organizations. Highlights of Women Center Stage 2005 included Carol Gilligan's new adaptation of The Scarlet Letter starring Marisa Tomei, and Lynn Redgrave's moving solo show Nightingale.
Written and Performed by Staceyann Chin. Directed by Rob Urbinati.
After being abandoned as a child by both her mother and father and immigrating to America as a young adult after facing intolerable homophobia in Jamaica, Staceyann Chin, star of the Tony award-winning Def Poetry Jam, brings her ferocious intelligence and wit to the stage in her astounding one-woman show that chronicles her rags to riches coming of age story.
“Fierce, ferocious and slyly funny.” -- New York Times
“Gifted and immensely likable! Rhythmic gold!” -- The Village Voice
‘One of the best moments on stage this year!” -- Broadway.com
Baghdad Burning: Girl Blog From Iraq
Adapted by Kim Kefgen and Loren Noveck. Directed by Ken Rus Schmoll.
Since August 2003, an anonymous 25-year-old Iraqi woman known as "Riverbend" has chronicled her day-to-day life as an educated Muslim woman in occupied Iraq on her blog, http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com. In Baghdad
Burning, which was presented as part of Women Center Stage 2005, a diverse ensemble cast uses music, movement, and monologues to explore America's encounter with Riverbend's complex reality: her love for Iraq and its people, the devastation of the war and occupation, and her mounting fear as fundamentalists gain power and limit the freedoms she once enjoyed.
Download the press release >>...Coming Soon
White Chocolate
By William Hamilton. Directed by David Schweizer.
This hilarious new comedy about race relations by New Yorker cartoonist William Hamilton stars Lynn Whitfield and Reg E. Cathey and tells the story of an affluent white couple living in Manhattan who awaken one morning to find they’ve been physically transformed overnight.
“Frantic Fun! The Cast is Flawless” -- John Simon
“A Witty farce! The Comic Performance of the Year!” -- Time Out New York
Guantánamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom
Written by Victoria Brittain & Gillian Slovo. Directed by Nicolas Kent & Sacha Wares
Weaving together personal stories, legal opinion, and political debate, Guantánamo: 'Honor Bound to Defend Freedom' looks at the questions surrounding the detentions in Guantánamo Bay, and asks how much damage is being done to Western democratic values during the 'war on terror.' Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu honored Culture Project with a much publicized performance of Guantánamo on our 45 Bleeker Street stage.
"It opens a door that our theater has foolishly kept shut. Crisply staged... Extremely well acted." –The Village Voice
"Deeply moving... exerts an icy visceral charge." --The New York Times
Sarah Jones Bridge and Tunnel
Written and Performed by Sarah Jones. Directed by Tony Taccone.
After a seven-month smash run at The Culture Project, Sarah Jones' Bridge and Tunnel, in which she brilliantly conveys a diverse spectrum of American immigrants, opened to rave reviews on Broadway in January 2006.
HILARIOUS! FLAWLESS!" -- The New York Times
"This is Great Theater!" -- Liz Smith
The Exonerated
Written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. Directed by Bob Balaban.
"The #1 Play of the Year!"
-Margo Jefferson, The New York Times
Sunny Jacobs was convicted of a crime she did not commit and lost 16 years of her life to death row. Frighteningly, Sunny's story is not unique. It could and does happen dozens of times right here, right now, in the United States. The Exonerated tells the true tales of six innocent death row survivors. In their own words. In words you won't forget. Seen by over 500,000 people across the country, The Exonerated was made into a Court TV movie starring Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover and Aiden Quinn, and raised over $800,000 for the individuals depicted in the play.
The Exonerated played to sold-out crowds at The Culture Project's 45 Bleecker Street Theater for 18 months before touring the country with featured performances by Robin Williams, Brian Dennehy, Mia Farrow, Stockard Channing, Avery Brooks, and other distinguished actors.
"Seeing [The Exonerated]...significantly affected [Governor Ryan of Illinois'} decision to commute all of the existing death row sentences to life in prison." --Innocence Project Founder, Barry Scheck
"...brilliantly conceived, staged and acted, [The Exonerated's] soul-scouring and heart-wrenching power comes by opening a window on to a broken system..." --Senator Patrick Leahy
"This play is one of the most extraordinary events I have ever seen and it will do more to promote justice than any literary effort I have ever seen." --Former Attorney General Janet Reno.
Jesus Is Magic
Written and performed by Sarah Silverman. Directed by Sam Seder.
Actress/Comedian Sarah Silverman, who has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, Late Nigh with Conan O'Brian, Larry Sanders, Politically Incorrect, Mr. Show and more, performs her own material in an outrageous solo show, Jesus is Magic. The show was released as an independent film in the fall of 2005.
Download the press release>>Coming Soon
"Silverman has won legions of fans by being not only as profane and provocative as her male peers, but arguably funnier" --Time Out New York
"...She can get away with almost anything...Ms. Silverman is the kind of feminist comic whose appeal skews male." --The New York Times
