PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
CONTACT: Kate Brandt, kate.brandt@mrt.org
PR CONTACT PHONE: 978-654-7595
BOX OFFICE: 978-654-4678
ONLINE: mrt.org
MRT AND WESTERN AVENUE STUDIOS ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
Local Artists’ Work on Display in Theatre Lobby
Lowell, MA – When Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) opened “The Lion” recently, audience members were greeted by artwork created by members of the Western Avenue Studios Artists Association (WASAA). Through a new partnership between the organizations, a new exhibit will go up in the theatre’s Sage Bank Lobby for each of the seven productions in the season. Jointly curated by MRT and WASAA, each piece is connected, in some way, to the play on stage.
According to Joe Pompei, Western Avenue Studios Artists Association community outreach chair, “A partnership between MRT and Western Avenue Studios seemed like a natural marriage of the arts. Our shared patrons have a love of the arts, whether it be theater arts or visual arts. Creating a gallery in the MRT lobby and halls with artwork that speaks to the theme of that particular play further enhances a patron's theater experience and provides Western Avenue artists with exposure to a larger community. This is truly a win-win for all parties - MRT, Western Avenue Studios and our patrons.”
The current exhibit includes watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, and sculpture. One of the exhibiting photographers Marhsall Marice commented, “I am really excited about having my work on display at the MRT. Such collaboration across organizations is important for small cities like Lowell. Also, I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a different viewpoint in the subject at hand that may spark a new idea in the minds of viewers.”
The relationship between MRT and WASAA is indicative of the theatre’s commitment to strengthening its ties to the local community and forming more partnerships like this one. Sean Daniels, MRT’s artistic director says, "As part of our commitment to local artists, we're offering up our walls to our friends at Western Avenue. The fact that they'll be displaying and creating work tied to our productions is not only personally thrilling, but is another example of how this next chapter of MRT is about inclusivity and community leadership."
Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) has been Merrimack Valley’s professional theatre company since 1979, and is an integral part of Lowell’s identity as the cultural heart of the region. The company is known for its high production standards and for creating compelling new plays and regional premieres that reflect the lives and emotions of its audiences. MRT is one of just three theatres in Massachusetts that is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), which has 72 members nationwide.
MRT 2015-16 SEASON
“The Lion”, written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer
August 26 – September 20, 2015
“I and You” by Lauren Gunderson
October 7 – November 1, 2015
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” adapted by Joe Landry
November 25 – December 20, 2015
“The White Chip” by Sean Daniels
January 6 – 31, 2015
“Tinker to Evers to Chance by Mat Smart
February 10 – March 6, 2016
“The Realness: a break beat play” by Idris Goodwin
March 16 – April 10, 2016
“Home of the Brave” by Lila Rose Kaplan
April 20 – May 15, 2016
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Performance Space: The Nancy L. Donahue Theatre
(In Liberty Hall, adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium)
50 E. Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Box Office: 978-654-4678
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