Play of Delights
Workshop schedule:
- Tues, April 9, 6:00-8:30
- Sat, April 13, 1:00-3:30
- Tues, April 16, 6:00-8:30
- Sat, April 20, 1:00-3:30
- Tues, April 23, 6:00-8:30
- Sat, April 27, 1:00-3:30
- Tues, April 30, 6:00-8:30
- Sat, May 4, 1:00-3:30
- Tues, May 7, 6:00-8:30
- Sat, May 11, 1:00-3:30 (Community sharing at 2pm)
Do you enjoy writing, performing, improv, or movement?
Are you age 18-118?
Join Ulysses Philomathic Library this spring for a new community-based theater project called Play of Delights! Together we’ll create original work inspired by The Book of Delights by award winning author Ross Gay. We’ll read some of the essays from the book and then write or improvise original work inspired by those essays.
That could mean creating monologues, scenes, poems, songs, movement pieces, or whatever else you get excited about. The facilitators will provide prompts to get you inspired and you’ll be able to create the work you want to. At the end of the workshops we’ll present what we’ve created in a casual sharing for family and friends.
Sign up at the library or using this google form
If you have any questions or concerns reach out to:
Laura Mielenhausen at director@trumansburglibrary.org / 607-387-5623
or
Sarah Plotkin at sarahbplotkin@gmail.com / 607-342-3639
Additional Information
What is the Book of Delights about?
The Book of Delights is about becoming aware of and celebrating unexpected delight in our lives. But it also talks about the trauma and oppression that lots of people experience in America, especially Black folks. It allows the reader to hold those complexities, celebrating delight, while calling out injustice. And within all that is a recognition of the beauty of nature and the joy of community and friendship.
Who can participate in this project?
Adults of all ages (18+) who can commit to the whole rehearsal process are welcome to join. No previous theater or performance experience is needed to participate, though trained artists are welcome. Because of the self-directed nature of this project, participants will be able to work at many different levels. We also welcome folks who are interested in creating work but not performing. The first 15 people who sign up will be accepted. (If you are under 18 and excited about this process, please reach out to Sarahbplotkin@gmail.com and we can discuss if it might be a good fit.)
Who’s leading this project?
The co-facilitators are Sarah Plotkin and G-Quan Booker. G-Quan is a dancer, poet, rapper and actor, and has taught at the Community Unity Music Education Program, The Finger Lakes Residential Center, the Auburn Public Theater and Wells College. Sarah is a director and teaching artist who has worked with Civic Ensemble, the Kitchen Theatre, the Hangar Theatre and others. The project is co-sponsored by Civic Ensemble and Story House Ithaca.
Is Ross Gay involved in any way?
Yes he is! Ross will be joining us for a rehearsal via zoom. He’ll watch the work we’ve created and give feedback before our community sharing.