Emerson College and the internationally renowned Living Theatre will present “A Day in the Life of the City,” a collective creation by members of the Living Theatre along with students, faculty and staff of Emerson, on Saturday, March 19, at 8 P.M. In addition, Living Theatre co-founder Judith Malina and co-artistic director Hanon Reznikov will offer a presentation about the Living Theatre, entitled “Love and Politics” on Friday, March 18, at 7 P.M.

Both performances will take place in the college’s Semel Theatre at 10 Boylston Place (off Boylston Street between Tremont and Charles Streets, in the Theatre District). Both events are free to the general public. For information, call the Living Theatre Workshop Coordinator at 617-824-8364.

“A Day in the Life of the City” is an exploration of the Boston community, its needs, its hopes, its fears and its joys. During the Living Theatre's week-long residency at Emerson College, workshop participants will collectively create a play based on issues, both local and international, which affect the Boston community.

According to Living Theatre member (and Emerson alumnus) Jerry Goralnick, the workshop production “will be a ritualistic coming together of the community to discuss the themes and issues immediately important in our lives." "Love and Politics" will look at the political and personal histories which have spurred the Living Theatre to make compelling art throughout its 58-year career.

The Living Theatre was founded in 1947 as an imaginative alternative to the commercial theatre by Judith Malina, the German-born protege of Erwin Piscator, and Julian Beck, an abstract expressionist painter of the New York School.

The Living Theatre has presented more than 80 productions in eight languages in 25 countries on four continents -- a unique body of work that has influenced theatre the world over. From the favelas of Brazil to the streets of New York and the piazzas of Italy, the company helps give voice to communities, creating ritualistic theatre pieces presented immediately back to the communities that created them.

The Living Theatre residency at Emerson College is supported by Emerson's School of the Arts, the Department of Performing Arts, and the City in Transition program of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies.

-- OnStage Boston

03/02/05