Friday, May 28, 2010

Creativity fosters understanding of ADA - Matrix and community make giant puppet of Justin Dart



DETROIT - Matrix Theatre Company is bringing together local youth, community residents, disability leaders and volunteers to learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as they put the finishing touches on Matrix’s newest giant puppet, Justin Dart, a pioneer of the ADA. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the passage of the act, the puppet will take to the streets of Detroit for the U.S. Social Forum on June 22, 2010. It will then head to Chicago for the Seventh Annual Disability Pride Parade on July 24, 2010 to help raise awareness for the rights of people with disabilities.

One of only a handful of theatre arts organizations in the country to create giant puppets, Justin Dart will take its place among Matrix’s impressive collection of historically significant “hero” puppets, which include figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Mother Jones and Ella Baker.

The Matrix way of collaborative creation has been especially successful with this project. Calls went out to community members, college students and disability rights activists to help with the development of this historic work of art. “It was inspiring to watch as this diverse group of people worked together to bring the puppet to life,” said Matrix Executive Director Shaun Nethercott.

As the volunteers worked under the guidance of sculptor Carl Goines and Matrix Community Puppets Manager Megan Harris, curious youth wandered into the City of Detroit’s Roberto Clemente Recreation Center to see what was going on. Matrix partner and project co-organizer Janice Fialka explained the history of the ADA to the children who then shared their own stories about loved ones with disabilities. “My Uncle Sam is in a wheelchair, and he sometimes gets real mad because he can’t get though a door,” said Kyle.

“Interest is nationwide,” said Volunteer Coordinator Ken Srdjak. “Donations have come in from all over the country. We have even received money from Justin’s wife, family and friends. If this continues, I am confident that we can reach our fundraising goal which will allow us to tour the puppet throughout the country this summer.”

“It’s time that Justin Dart and his ideas become visible to all,” said Rich Feldman, Matrix partner and project co-organizer. “It’s time that disability is recognized as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”

“Sometimes it happens that an image or a piece of art can reconnect a community with a fallen soldier’s classic one liners that ‘lead us on’ to commit ourselves to ‘the revolution of empowerment.’ The Justin Puppet will be looming in streets shouting out the words, ‘I am with you, I love you, Lead on,’ for the ‘solidarity among all who love justice,” said Tom Olin, social documentarian and photojournalist for disability rights.

The Justin Dart puppet is funded, in part, by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Michigan Disabilities Rights Coalition, the United Auto Workers (UAW), and many donors from across the country.

Matrix Theatre Company is a non-profit community-based theatre located in Southwest Detroit. Established in 1991, it creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to over 95 original plays. Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audiences of original theatre. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter or Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.

For further information on the Justin Dart puppet or to schedule interviews, please call 313-967-0999.

Justin Dart Biography 

Often called the Martin Luther King of the disability civil rights movement, Justin Dart thought of himself in much more humble terms. Born August 29, 1930 into a wealthy and prominent family, he was a self-described “super loser.” Spoiled and difficult, he attended seven high schools, not graduating from any of them. After contracting polio in 1948, he used a wheelchair until his death in 2002. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and history. After being denied a teaching certificate, because he used a wheelchair, Dart went into business in 1956 and in years later hired disabled people giving them a living wage within his companies. Working with President Ronald Reagan, he helped to draft a national policy calling for a national civil rights legislation to end the centuries old discrimination of people with disabilities. This legislation eventually became the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Although he received many awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton, he never wavered in his commitment to disability solidarity, insisting that all people with disabilities be protected by the law and included in the coalition to pass it. This included those with mental illness and people with HIV/AIDS. He often said, “I am a symbolic representative of thousands of ADA mothers and fathers.”

Dart never hesitated to emphasize the community of support that made his work possible. It was never about him, it was always about the community working together to advance human dignity for all. Justin had the highest regard for his wife of 33 years who has enthusiastically given her full support to have the giant puppet built as a creative way to educate, inspire, and empower all, especially youth to realize and use their own power; and lead on.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Matrix develops young actors & writers - Summer Camp starts in July



Matrix Theatre Company’s Summer Creativity Camp returns in July 2010. Theatre professionals from Matrix’s School of Theatre bring environmental education and the transformative power of theatre to local youths ages eight to 18. Located at 2730 Bagley in Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown, Matrix’s summer camps stress creativity, collaboration and community. Sessions focus on acting, puppetry and playwrighting, and field trips are planned. Each camp concludes with a showcase performance, where family and friends are welcome to share in the realization of the original works created. 

Three Creativity Camps will run between July 6 and August 6, for three age groups. They are:

From the Ground Up, for ages eight to 11: As part of the Matrix “Ghostwaters” project, students will use theatre and puppetry to learn about the wildlife that inhabits the waters of Detroit. Young artists will explore acting on an introductory level with emphasis on stage presence and character work. They will also learn the basics of puppet construction as they build hand and rod puppets.

The Environment and Me, for ages 11 to 14: Young artists discover how personal choices and actions affect the environment. Through improvisational writing and performance exercises the class will create a script about preserving our natural resources one person at a time, one decision at a time.

Better World, Better Me, ages 14 to 18: Teen artists will have the opportunity to develop a new play based on a pressing environmental issue of their choice. With mentoring in workshops on acting, poetry, dance and music, students will develop and present an original theatrical work. This work will be professionally performed at Matrix Theatre. The students will also have the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of live theatre. A field trip to an outdoor high/low ropes course will help to encourage students to conquer fears and work together, while a creativity-intensive weekend camping trip will bring them into nature.

For information on Matrix Theatre’s Summer Camps, or to register, please call 313-967-0999.

Matrix Theatre Company is a non-profit community-based theatre located in Southwest Detroit. Established in 1991, Matrix creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to over 90 original plays. Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster

social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audiences of original theatre. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.

Information:
Camps: From the Ground Up - Ages 8-11
Dates: July 6-9 and 12-16 (Matrix will be closed on Monday July 5. This camp will begin July 6)
Camp Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $150
As part of Matrix’s Ghostwaters project, students in this camp will use theatre and puppetry to learn about the animals that inhabit the waters of their city. These young artists will explore acting on an introductory level, with emphasis on stage presence and character work. Additionally, they will learn the basics of puppet construction as they build hand and rod puppets, and prepare a performance for their last day of camp.
The Environment and Me - Ages 11-14
Dates: August 2-6
Camp Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $100
Young artists will discover how their own personal choices and actions affect our environment. Students will develop a script through improvisation exercises that deals with realizing everyone's personal contribution to preserving our resources. Their original play will be presented August 6. 

Better World, Better Me - Ages 14-18
Dates: July 19-23, 24-25 (camping trip at Lael in Lapeer), 27-30
Camp Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $125
Teen artists will have the chance to develop a new play based on a pressing environmental issue of their choice. Over the course of two weeks, they will have workshops in acting, poetry, dance and music, all of which will be used to develop an original piece of theatre. A field trip to an outdoor high/low ropes course encourages students to conquer fears and work together, while an intensive weekend trip to a camp will bring them into nature as they prepare for their performance on July 30. Participants will also perform their new play at the Detroit Zoo in August.

All camps held at Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit, MI 48216. Students need to bring a lunch each day. Healthy snacks will be provided by Matrix. Scholarships are available. Call 313-967-0999 for more information. Discounts are available for families with more than one student attending the same camp. Childcare is not available before or after camp hours.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

One of your last chances to work on Justin Dart



As we get closer to the U.S. Social Forum and the debut of our giant Justin Dart puppet, there are less and less opportunities for community members to help in the collaborative creation of the puppet. But we want you to come out, no matter what your puppet-making experience is, and be a part of the process!

On Saturday May 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. we're inviting everyone to come out and paint the paper-mache head, work on the frame, sew his signature hat and boots, and make buttons to be distributed to crowds.

Come down to Matrix Theatre Company at 2730 Bagley in Detroit, MI 48216.

The puppet will not only be used at the Social Forum, July 26 marks the 20 year anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and we are gearing up to march around the country with the puppet that represents one of the key figures in making the ADA a reality.

Call 313-967-0999 for more information or send an email to Volunteer Coordinator Ken Srdjak at ksrdjak@matrixtheatre.org.

Whether you know a lot about Justin Dart's story or just a little, this is a great chance to come out and be a part of this art project that celebrates not only Justin Dart,

This may be one of the last chances for the community to work on the puppet, so please spread the word!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Ghost Waters: Matrix explores Detroit’s hidden waterways



Imagine downtown Detroit as a fertile paradise, as it existed long before industry came. Ghost Waters is Matrix Theatre Company’s three-year education, arts and awareness project which explores the ponds, marshes and rivers now hidden beneath downtown. Ghost Waters can be found where now sits Cobo Hall, Comerica Park and the Michigan Central Depot. What was lost in these places will be brought back to life through artistic stories, communal education activities, field trips, student showcases, workshops, street art and theatre pageants, all centered on water: its history, its present, and its role in the destiny of Detroit and Southeast Michigan. 

Ghost Waters’ next public event is the Water Fest, on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11am to 3pm outdoors at Matrix Theatre Company. Matrix is located at 2730 Bagley in Detroit’s Mexicantown. Performances, music, puppet workshops, food, and fun family activities will all focus on water consciousness. 


A ghost water is any body of water that was buried in the name of human progress. Many of Detroit’s waterways were used as sewers and eventually buried, but hidden rivers still flow beneath the city. The project examines Detroit’s water history, its current water problems and their impact on the future. Ghost Waters aims to serve as a vehicle to foster a renewed sense of place in Detroit’s ecosystems. The importance of recycling, water-consciousness, sustainability, and the right of every human being to have access to clean, running water are some of the topics Ghost Waters will connect to, artistically and through community engagement. 

Ghost Waters will bring the cause of water consciousness to the U.S. Social Forum, held in Detroit June 22-26, with a Procession of the Species Parade, art activities for youth, and the Savoyard Creek’s River Resurgence Pageant - where all are invited to participate in creating puppets that depict the hidden Savoyard Creek, still located below Congress Street. 

Thanks in part to funds received from The Erb Family Foundation, The Kresge Community Arts Foundation, and The Skillman Foundation, Ghost Waters continues through summer 2012. 

At its start in early 2010, Matrix School of Theatre students began incorporating recycled puppets, environmental themes and education about the forgotten waters into their work, which was featured in a showcase on World Water Day, March 22. An April field trip to Humbug Marsh gave participants a hands-on look at what Detroit’s ecosystems used to look like. 


“We are at a pivot point with young people in terms of envisioning a new future for the city. And without some deeper knowledge about what the city is beneath its mantel of industrialism we cannot make an appropriate choice. People see outdoors not as nature, but as a negative - as dirty and bad. This was once a hyper-rich and productive ecosystem, and now there are 40 square-miles of vacant land in the city, but people still have trouble seeing a future,” said Dr. Shaun Nethercott, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Matrix. 


Ghost Waters is a project that requires the creativity and commitment of the community to succeed. Anyone seeking to get involved in field trips, parades, puppet building projects or events should contact Matrix Theatre Company’s Volunteer Coordinator Ken Srdjak at ksrdjak@matrixtheatre.org or at 313-967-0999.


Matrix Theatre Company is a non-profit community-based theatre located in Southwest Detroit. Established in 1991, Matrix creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to over 90 original plays. Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audiences of original theatre. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.