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| Mandala
Center News Spring 2010 |
In
this issue:
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Newsletter Archives
info@mandalaforchange.com |
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"The Congo: Colonization, Corruption, & Community"
An intimate view through photos and story
When: Thursday, April 15th
4-5 PM (family oriented); 6:30 - 8 PM (adult oriented)
Where: Port Townsend Public Library - 1220 Lawrence St.
Cost: FREE
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Mandala
Center Director, Marc Weinblatt, shares photos, stories, and
personal reflections from his recent (March) trip to the Republic
of Congo in equatorial Africa. Originally inhabited by the
Pygmies, this former French colony is smaller and less famous
than its neighbor across the Congo River, the Democratic Republic
of Congo (formerly Zaire.) Though only under French rule for
75 years (one of the shortest colonial periods in African
history due to its remote location), French is spoken by nearly
everyone and a croissant is almost as easy to find as a skewer
of grilled meat. Congo is also considered one of the poorest
counties in the world and is still recovering from a brutal
civil war during the late 1990's. Aside from the jungles in
the north, there are few wild animals to be seen because,
as one Congolese remarked, "People eat them because they
are hungry." That said, the people are as warm, loving,
and generous as any in the world.
Marc will offer two presentations at
the PT Public Library on Thursday, April 15th. The first,
from 4-5 PM, will be more of a travelogue (including show
and tell) and geared to children and families. The second,
from 6:30 - 8 PM, will be more adult oriented - less laundered
with more focus on the socio-political issues. Both presentations
will provide a simple background on Congo and will include
many photos of the landscape, the people, and the theatre
work. This event will be fun, educational, and real. Contact
Marc for more information on the presentation or his work
in Congo. marc@mandalaforchange.com
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Recently named a Cultural Envoy by the
U.S. State Department, Marc was invited to lead "Theater
of the Oppressed" based community development workshops
and performances with a variety of groups throughout Congo
- in the riverside capital of Brazzaville, the seaport city
of Pointe Noire, and the village of Gamboma where 500 people
of all ages gathered for an outdoor interactive Forum Theatre
performance. Major themes included poverty, police corruption
/ abuse, domestic violence, and women's rights.
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12th ANNUAL SUMMER T.O. TRAINING - NEARLY FULL! |
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There
are just a handful of spaces left in our annual summer Theatre
of the Oppressed training intensive in Port Townsend, WA - June
21-26, 2010. This year, participants are coming from across
the U.S. and Canada as well as India, Botswana, the Republic
of Congo, Chile, Hong Kong, Haiti, Turkey, Sri Lanka. It appears
that over 1/3 of the participants will be from outside the United
States. Price change deadline is April 30th. When filled, we
will take a waiting list in case of cancellations. For more
details, go to our website or contact: info@mandalaforchange.com
or 360-344-3435
Mandala
Center Advanced T.O. training in Afghanistan - October 2009
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THEATRE
OF THE OPPRESSED
FACILITATOR'S TRAINING:
WAGING PEACE - DESIGNING JUSTICE
Our 12th annual version of this 6-day training will focus
on community building games, Image Theatre, Forum Theatre,
some Rainbow of Desire techniques, and will culminate in an
interactive public Forum Theatre performance / community dialogue,
developed by the participants, around social justice issues.
For beginner as well as more experienced practitioners seeking
to deepen their work.
Facilitated by Marc Weinblatt
When: Mon, June 21 - Sat,
June 26, 2010
Where: Port Townsend, WA
Cost: US$450; $400 if registered by 4/30/2010
($$ arrangements available based on need; no one turned away.)
Registration: Pay
in full via Paypal (with credit card) on our website or
send minimum US$100 non-refundable deposit per person to:
Mandala Center
510 35th St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368 |
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"POETIC
JUSTICE THEATRE ENSEMBLE" UPDATE |
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The multi-generational
(currently ages 16-82) Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble was
active this winter with several private and public interactive
performances. Invited to return by the Port Townsend Arts
to Elders program, the ensemble did 3 performances in local
senior residences. "Winds of Change", a new company
created Forum scenario based on real experiences in assisted
living facilities, inspired not only elders but also adult
advocates to share stories and work towards more empowerment
for elders in our community.
In addition, the ensemble did an interactive performance,
"Swastikas & Slurs: Hate Symbols -- Freedom of Expression?"
on February 25th at the Boiler Room, PT's youth driven coffee
house and community center. Responding to the recent appearance
of swastikas at the Boiler Room and other locations in Port
Townsend, the ensemble's theatrical dialogue explored thoughts
and feelings, intention versus impact, and how to keep our
community safe and healthy for all people. There was also
an opportunity for people who have been oppressed because
of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. to
share their experience. This performance was part of a series
of creative and educational events sponsored by the Boiler
Room in response to hate symbols.
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Julie Plachta, Justine Gonzalez-Berg,
DD Wigley, Camille Hildebrandt, Mickey McKinney, and Sheila
Khalov in the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble's 2009 Forum
play on poverty, "Walking the Line". |
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AUDITIONS
FOR - "THE TEMPEST" |
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Auditions for Shakespeare's "The Tempest" |
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Produced by Key
City Public Theatre
Performs outdoors in Chetzamoka Park
Port Townsend, WA
August 6-22, 2010 (Fri, Sat, Sun @ 6 PM)
Directed by Marc
Weinblatt
Seeking actors -
Teens to Elders.
All roles except Prospero, Ariel, & Trinculo are available.
Also seeking 4 - 6 actors (age 15 and up) to be
island spirits - skills sought are:
aeriel / acrobatic movement / dance, singing, drumming,
and/or other musical skills.
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Final
Auditions are Sunday afternoon, April 18th; 1-6:30 PM
Call director for specific appointment time and location.
360-344-3435 |
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