My heart is in
the East
But the rest of
me far in the West-
Yehuda Halevi (1090)
Now hear this
mixture,
Where hip-hop
meets scripture
And develop the
negative into a positive picture
Lauren Hill (1999)
I hope you’ll join us for this first full production of My Heart is in the East. This play is the culmination of years of field-work,
personal exploration, historical research and theatrical development. It is an
expression of my heart-felt theory about theatre (and poetry) as a vehicle for
change. In the spirit of the piece I hope you will stay with us through
the poetry contest to the most important part of the evening: a short community
discussion about the issues the play explores.
My Heart is in the East is a duet between two poets (a Muslim man and a Jewish
woman) in two centuries (The 21st and the 11th). We cross time, gender, race,
religion and language to bridge the conflicts between them. Will violence,
suspicion, and fear stop cultural exchange and destroy a unique and unlikely
friendship? Or will poetry, humanity, love and humor win out?
It’s
our earnest desire that you will be part of this movement to bridge cultures
and advocate for peace.
Some history: The play also exists
as chapter four of my doctoral dissertation: My Heart Is in thE
East:Exploring Theater as a Vehicle For Change, Inspired by the Poetic
Performances of Ancient Andalucía.
La MaMa has been involved every step of the way, including hosting my
dissertation defense, which happened right at Culture Hub with committee
members joining via telepresence. We did a workshop production at The Club in
2015, and had subsequent readings both at La MaMa Umbria and at Great Jones
Studios.
Like all plays
it was developed with so much help and input from others along the way, all of
whom I am deeply grateful for. Thank you especially to my dear La MaMa
family for giving this project a home. This performance is dedicated to the
spirit of Ellen Stewart who pushed me towards the East in this very building many,
many years ago, and to my two biggest inspirations Sophie and Emma Weinstein
who make the journey worthwhile.
Photos by Carolina Restrepo
_____
La MaMa presentsMy Heart is in the Eastby Jessica Litwakdirected by Jen Wineman
June 8, 2017 - June 25, 2017
Thursday to Saturday at 7PM; Sunday at 2:30PM
The Downstairs @ La MaMa66 East 4th Street(between Bowery and Second Avenue)New York, NY 10003
Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors
For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE
