Encore Michigan - Theater, Theater Events, Theater Reviews, Theater Calendar

Matrix was mentioned in this week's Encore Michigan News!! We are celebrating our 20th anniversary season and are very excited about our programs this year! Check this out.

Encore Michigan - Theater, Theater Events, Theater Reviews, Theater Calendar

Detroit’s buried ghost waters revisited

Buried waterways still flow under the busy traffic grid of what is now downtown Detroit, and Matrix Theatre Company brings one back to the surface on June 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. as it presents the River Resurgence Pageant as part of the U.S. Social Forum. The pageant includes a parade with more than 100 participants who will follow the old Savoyard River’s path; and street theatre enactments help depict the past, present and future of Detroit’s rich ecosystem. To learn more about the project, or to find out how to participate in this exciting event, call the Theatre at 313-967-0999.

The pageant’s dancers, actors and puppets will stroll along the Detroit River’s waterfront carrying puppets representing fish, frogs and fowl unique to this region. Dancing and singing their way along the streets of Detroit, they will depict the ebb and flow of the River. A collaboratively-created monster dragon portraying the evils of pollution will join the group as it slithers its way along the route. Special performances will depict the coming of European settlers and the River’s eventual transformation into a sewer running below the city’s streets, where it remains today. The skits end on a high note showing a bright future for Detroit and its residents who live among the world’s most abundant fresh water supply.

The River Resurgence Pageant is part of Ghost Waters, a three-year project designed to re-imagine the rivers, marshes and ponds buried beneath downtown Detroit’s urban structures such as Cobo Hall, Comerica Park and Michigan Central Train Depot. Funded in part by The Erb Family Foundation, The Kresge Community Arts Foundation, and The Skillman Foundation, the project allows participants to learn about Detroit’s water history by engaging in specially-designed field trips, workshops and communal education activities. From these are created artistic stories, student showcases, workshops, street art and theatre pageants highlighting not only Detroit’s water history, but the importance of recycling, water-consciousness, water’s relevance to sustainability and the right of every human being to have access to clean running water.

Those interested in joining the near 100-person team that will make up the puppet river, its caretakers, inhabitants and buriers, contact Matrix Volunteer Coordinator Ken Srdjak at 313-967-0999, ksrdjak@matrixtheatre.org, or show up at Cobo Hall at 9:30 a.m. on June 25, 2010. Wear blue is you can! 

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.

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What: Event: River Resurgence Pageant
Synopsis: The Savoyard River rises again with a parade of more than 100 people. The event is part of GhostWaters and U.S. Social Forum.

Where: Address: Downtown Detroit
Begins in front of Cobo Hall at the River
Tickets: Free and open to the public

When: June 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Matrix Theatre Company announces 2010-2011 season

Take a seat at Matrix Theatre Company. Family dysfunction, backstage chaos and laugh-out loud wedding mishaps are all part of the company’s nineteenth professional theatre season.

The season opens with the American classic “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams, followed by the popular annual productions of “Haunted Theatre” and “Puppet Scrooge.” This year’s spring show is an evening of hilarity with the presentation of two locally-written one-act plays: “Backstage Passes” by Roger Kerson and “Para Siempre” by Maria Serratos.

This season also marks the third year of the company’s Inclusive Theatre Initiative (ITI), a commitment to accessible theatre for all people. With help from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), American Sign Language (ASL) and audio description are available for select performances. Key components also included are: assistive listening, large print and braille programs, accessible parking, seating and restroom facilities. All tickets are general admission. Average ticket price is $15. Group rates and discounted admission for youth, student and seniors are available. For further information go to matrixtheatre.org, or call 313-967-0599.

October is a busy month for Matrix. The taut drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams sensitively portrays family dysfunction and explores alcoholism and homophobia in a wealthy southern family. The production runs Friday, October 15 through November 14. Another October highlight is the popular Halloween weekend production of Haunted Theatre written, produced and “gorified” by Matrix teens. It promises to be a bonafide scarefest.

Each year Matrix fans look forward to Puppet Scrooge. This family holiday tradition puts a special Southwest Detroit spin on the classic tale where Scrooge owns the local check-cashing store and has plenty of puppet visitors to teach her a holiday lesson. Puppet Scrooge runs December 3-19, 2010.

Spring’s offering promises lots of fun, laughter and hilarity as Matrix highlights two local playwrights. Written by long-time Matrix participant Maria Serratos, Para Siempre is an adaptation of a vignette from Plaza Suite by Neil Simon where a stressed-out couple encounters mishaps as they try to get their daughter to Southwest Detroit’s Holy Redeemer. Recently retired from the UAW communications office, Roger Kerson’s play, Backstage Passes, is the hysterically funny rendition of a local theatre group’s fiasco during a production.

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.

The plays:

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF - Oct 15 - Nov 14 - Tennessee Williams’ taut drama sensitively portrays family dysfunction in which alcoholism and homophobia ripple through a wealthy Southern family. 

HAUNTED THEATRE - Oct 28 - Oct 31 - Get ready to be scared silly as Matrix teens present Haunted Theatre, a wonderfully created production guaranteed to delight those who love to celebrate Halloween... a bonafide scarefest. 

PUPPET SCROOGE - Dec 3 - Dec 19 - This family holiday tradition puts a special Southwest Detroit spin on the classic tale in which Scrooge owns the local check-cashing store and has plenty of puppet visitors to teach her a holiday lesson. 

PARA SIEMPRE & BACKSTAGE PASSES - Apr 8 - May 1 - Two locally-written one-act plays promise an evening of laugh-out-loud hilarity as a couple tries to marry off their daughter and actors experience backstage mishaps in a show in which everything that could go wrong does. 

Plays will be performed at:
Matrix Theatre Company - 2730 Bagley Detroit, MI 48216

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will be performed at:
Boll Family YMCA Theatre - 1401 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226

Tickets: Box office - 313-967-0599. $15 average ticket price. All tickets general admission.

(Matrix Theatre Company’s Inclusive Theatre Initiative insures that Matrix productions are accessible to all. Services includes: Accessible parking, seating and restroom facilities. Assistive Listening devices available at all shows.)

Bees and Trees at Belle Isle Zoo this Saturday

Remember Bees and Trees? The event mixes our original play about Bees with activities for youth. Come and see what the buzz is about.

From Detroitzoo.org:

Come one; come all to the Belle Isle Nature Zoo for a Bee-rific day of activities on June 5, 2010. As the Belle Isle Nature Zoo’s bee hive is producing the first honey of the season, we will celebrate all things bee. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo bee keeper will “bee” on hand to talk about the Belle Isle Nature Zoo’s bees and what it takes to create and maintain a healthy hive. Ever wonder exactly how bees fit into the ecosystem and what bees are up to during all the seasons in Michigan? All those questions and more will be answered during Matrix Theater Company’s original performance of Bees and Trees on June 5, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will be a make-and-take activity and chances for one and all to “bee” a bee during the performance. It is sure to “bee” a lot a fun for the entire family, we hope to see you at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

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.

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.

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!