Spoken word poetry celebrating black artistry and history. New short plays by fresh young artists. A veteran tells his story. Original acoustic guitar inspired by a single light. Interpretive dance about street harassment. An artist with a disability lifts up those who paved the way.
These are the voices from the first-ever Porch Plays, a new performance event at Snug Harbor that explores community resilience and storytelling through the power of the front porch.
With two original live performances featuring different lineups of artists in theater, dance, music, poetry, and storytelling, Porch Plays centers the stories and artistry of communities of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.
WHERE: Cottage C, Cottage Row
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
WHEN: October 24, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM
ADMISSION: $15 General Admission | $12 Snug Harbor Members
Seating is limited–advance registration highly recommended
* Each show has a different lineup–want to see both? The confirmation email for your ticket purchase to the 12 PM performance will contain a discount code for a ticket to the 6 PM performance!
Performing at 12:00 PM:
Michelle Claussell
Esmé Ng
Dennis M.A.
Grace Foundation
Rocio Uchofen
Julia Aldana
Nanci Richards
Dasja Pennix
Carolyn Clark
Kelly Villar
Performing at 6:00 PM:
Justy
Staten Island OutLoud
Juaquin Bennett
Stephanie Alvarado
Saint Phillips
Kofi Antwi
Jenn Gallo
Antonio Mancilla
Porch Plays emerges out of the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency against racial injustice permeating across the country. At a time when we have been unable to be together, we’ve managed to experience the ingenuity and adaptability of the human spirit. This moment allows for the return to a different kind of community connection: through socially distant bonds on Zoom, and beyond on porches and stoops, in backyards and parks, and in protests. As we reopen our city, we come together in new and reimagined ways that demonstrate our community’s enduring resilience. This shift from reopening to resiliency is an opportunity to examine the creative ways we can be together and how these connections spark solace, laughter, and survival.
Including performances by: Julia Aldana, Stephanie Alvarado, Kofi Antwi, Beth Gorrie & Mike Kim of Staten Island OutLoud, Antonio Mancilla, Esmé Ng, Dasja Pennix, Nanci Richards, and Witches of St. Marks.
As you enjoy visiting Snug Harbor, please remember:
• Maintain a distance of 6+ feet away from other visitors whenever possible
• Wear a mask while on campus (masks will be required for this event)
• Practice good hygiene and sanitization
• Stay home if you are sick
Porch Plays is supported in part by generous funding from the Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Porch Plays is generously sponsored by Hemlock Theatre Company and by Anita Laremont & Alan Sullivan.
