A note from Public Works Coordinator Philip Odango
Congratulations to Virginia Stage Company's Public Works program Dramatically Able for a wonderful play in partnership with Access Virginia. On Saturday, blind and low vision young actors from throughout Virginia and North Carolina performed an original space-themed play where we learn to not judge people by how they look and discover how to live harmoniously. They were supported by four "shadow" actors who assisted them throughout the play. Over 120 friends, family and supporters were in attendance. Access Virginia provided audio description accessibility service and a lovely post-show reception.
Photo by Philip Shucet
The play "Quarrel On Quadrisphour" is written and directed by VSC Public Works Teaching Artists Meaghan McCleod Mozingo and Lyeneal Griffin, and co-developed with Amy Collaizzi and Gail Henrich from Norfolk Public Schools in partnership with Lois Boyle and Access Virginia.
Photo by Philip Shucet
Special thanks to NASA for sharing sensory lunar maps and visiting with our actors, and to Steve Earle with Governor's School for the Arts for rehearsal and scenic support. Thank you to the VSC production team, and to all who were involved in such a great day!
Photo by Philip Odango
Public Works Virginia is a major initiative of Virginia Stage Company that seeks to engage the people of Hampton Roads by making them creators of theater rather than spectators. Working with community partner organizations across the seven cities, Public Works Virginia invites community members to attend classes, attend productions, and join in the creation of ambitious works of participatory theater. Led by Director of Public Works Patrick Mullins, Public Works deliberately blurs the line between professional artists and community members, creating theater that is not only for the people, but by and of the people as well.
Photo by Philip Shucet