Amid the commotion over the New York Times review of the Encores! revival of Big River revolving around context and criticism, the nonprofit Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA) presents a free discussion on Monday, March 6, that includes Laura Collins-Hughes, who wrote the review. The following is a press release:
Reviewing the Situation: Producing Theater and Cultural Awareness.
The Castillo Theatre at the All Stars Project, 543 W 42nd St NY, NY, 6:30pm. doors open at 6:15pm, no reservations required. Co-moderated by: Disney Theatrical dramaturg and literary manager Ken Cerniglia and American Theatre associate editor Diep Tran.
Panelists include: Public Theater literary manager Jesse Cameron Alick, New York Times theater critic Laura Collins-Hughes, Tony-nominated performer Michael McElroy, The Interval editor-in-chief Victoria Myers, Director of Arts Integrity Initiative at the New School for Drama Howard Sherman
The event will be livestreamed – visit lmda.org for further information about how to watch.
In the wake of the recent debate around Big River, Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA) is convening a panel of some of the theater industry’s premier thinkers and art makers to discuss the roles and responsibilities of producers, artists, and critics in the portrayal of underrepresented experiences on stage.
Says LMDA President Ken Cerniglia: “Our organization is in a unique position to bring the theater community together around this topic. Dramaturgs share a deep interest in cultivating dialogue and exploring topics within cultural and historical context. LMDA’s membership includes professionals who work as artists, producers, journalists, and administrators – all of whom have a stake in conversations about representation and meaning. I am hopeful we can move beyond the specifics of recent controversies toward a dialogue that pushes our community and culture forward.”
