New Haven, Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre has announced it will host an Artistic Congress in partnership with the Yale Schwarzman Center, where the event will be held October 25-27.
The three-day event will allow leaders, artists, and civic-minded community members to convene and discuss the importance of bringing together individuals across sectors to preserve democracy. Participants will include Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel and Madeleine Hutchins of Dawnland Voices, Mohegan; Stephanie Ybarra of the Mellon Foundation; Jennifer Harrison Newman of the Yale Schwarzman Center; and more.
“As leaders in the arts, we hold a profound responsibility to illuminate the human experience through our craft. Theatre is essential to democracy, reflecting society’s complexities, injustices and aspirations,” Jacob Padrón, Long Wharf Theatre’s Artistic Director, said in a statement. “Facilitating dialogue among industry leaders is not just an opportunity, but a duty to ensure that the future of theatre remains a beacon of artistic expression and a catalyst for social change.”
“Creating a safe space for political advocacy in theatre is essential; it allows voices to be heard, stories to be told, and change to be inspired, fostering a community in which diverse perspectives can flourish and spark meaningful dialogue,” added Rachel Fine, Executive Director of the Yale Schwarzman Center. “I am honored to collaborate with Long Wharf Theatre in continuing to center New Haven as a hub for political engagement, culture, and the arts.”
The event will include panels, workshops and keynotes focused on uplifting indigenous voices and the evolution of regional theatre. The Yale Schwarzman Center’s Dome will also host a staged reading of Keegon Schuett's 2024 Yale Drama Series Prize winning play this dry spell, which was selected for the prestigious award by Jeremy O. Harris.
Panels and topics will include Civic Scores, co-designed and co-facilitated by Michael Rohd; Interdependent Self-Interest, curated by Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel and Madeleine Hutchins; Evolution and Regrowth of the American Regional Theatre; Arts & — Artful lives fostering dignity and imagination in thriving communities; and more.
While the Congress will be based at the Yale Schwarzman Center, Friday and Sunday's programming will also take place around downtown New Haven, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the city. The New Haven Hotel will also be sponsoring the event, and offering a discounted rate to Artistic Congress guests.
Visit LongWharf.org for weekend passes, single keynote tickets, or more information.
