Philadelphia Theatre of the OppressedUnpacking Race - 5-Part Workshop Series

Tuesdays in March 2016 • 6:30-9:00

WORKSHOP FULL!

Email "tophilly@gmail.com" to be put on the wait list.

In March of 2016, we bring back our popular series on race and racism. Every Tuesday we'll explore this topic through a variety of exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, and discussions, supplemented by things to read and do between sessions. Our aim is to unlearn the systemic racism we’ve been taught throughout our lives, to heal from racial privilege and oppression, and to offer starting points for structural and personal change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. 

2016's Unpacking Race series will be led by a team of four facilitators (read about them at www.tophiladelphia.blogspot.com). Because space is limited and each week's ideas build toward the next, we ask that participants commit to coming to all five sessions. Tuition is sliding scale: $45-$145, payable at the first session.

This workshop is FULL. Get on the waiting list by emailing "tophilly@gmail.com" or leave a message at 267-282-1057.

Theatre of the Oppressed combines experiences, images, sounds, movements and dialogue into ideas and actions for making social change.

An overview of the politics, social effects and problems associated with the rising epidemic of American obesity. It features some pretty interesting people too: President Clinton, Ralph Nader, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Huckabee, etc. 

Philadelphia chef Lenka Zivkovic will discuss nutrition and affordable, easy-to-prepare meals.  Some food will be available for purchase. 

Watch the trailer HERE 

Admission is FREE 

This festival showcases Women of all ages & race, including M-F trans. 

Over the years we Included, but were never limited to, the following; Singer/Songwriters, Poets, Dancers, Theatre, Filmmakers, Speakers of Women's issues, crafters and so much more! 

Each year we try to bring awareness to a cause. Last year was fighting addiction. The year before we protested Bullying. The last time we discussed Cancer was in 2006 when we had the honor or Presenting a film by Vitamin D on Clarity Haines Works with Breast Cancer Survivors. Dedicated to my sister Linda Witkowski ~ Kerekes. 

THIS YEAR ~ it's Kicking Cancer's Ass. Come out and support Women in the Arts and this special event! 

THE LINE UP, in random order:

*EMILY JENSEN, featured here in this photo who has had a double mastectomy, will speak about dealing with cancer.

Emily is going to discuss FLATTOPPER PRIDE.

*LAURA TURK PRESENTS BREASTLESS ~ a stage Play about Breast Cancer

*TAUPE ~ A local West Philadelphia group of some very talented folks, some members are returning guests who have performed at Womynsfest in the past.

*ENERGY RHYTHMS ~ Indian Classical Bollywood

*TIFFANY MAJETTE ~ Tiffany has performed for a brief 10 minutes at one of my shows and people have requested for her to come back! Singer/Songwriter with a powerful voice!

*ALI HART ~ Spinning light with dance performance

*SOPHIA BALTER ~ Spinning Poi with light.

*THE PRIMARIES ~ Red, Yellow and blue will play songs for you! One of the members is Susan Rosetti of Stargazer, Slomo and a performers of many other groups! She is a returning guest to Womynsfest! + Michelle Armour and Morgan Pinkstone

*AMULET MOON ~ a powerful duo with amazing sounds!

*MIA JOHNSON ~ Singer/Songwriter who has not missed but a few of Womynsfest shows! She has been there since the beginning! 

**WE WELCOME AND WANT MEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AUDIENCE!

Admission is FREE

Philadelphia Theatre of the OppressedUnpacking Race - 5-Part Workshop Series

Tuesdays in March 2016 • 6:30-9:00

WORKSHOP FULL!

Email "tophilly@gmail.com" to be put on the wait list.

In March of 2016, we bring back our popular series on race and racism. Every Tuesday we'll explore this topic through a variety of exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, and discussions, supplemented by things to read and do between sessions. Our aim is to unlearn the systemic racism we’ve been taught throughout our lives, to heal from racial privilege and oppression, and to offer starting points for structural and personal change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. 

2016's Unpacking Race series will be led by a team of four facilitators (read about them at www.tophiladelphia.blogspot.com). Because space is limited and each week's ideas build toward the next, we ask that participants commit to coming to all five sessions. Tuition is sliding scale: $45-$145, payable at the first session.

This workshop is FULL. Get on the waiting list by emailing "tophilly@gmail.com" or leave a message at 267-282-1057.

Theatre of the Oppressed combines experiences, images, sounds, movements and dialogue into ideas and actions for making social change.

Co-hosted by Boom and Nadirah

Featuring:

Tyree Evans

Lindo Yes

Jasmine Jream Wormsley

Nyaisha Nalley

Rob Farmer

Norm Lewis

Ishmail The Artist

Casinoo Brown

Angelo Ferrior

Marrissa MJ Joy

Stax Nificient

and more...

On September 22, 2015, Kelly Lehman chose compassion. But in a venue in which pigs are chased and tormented for "fun," a venue in which any consideration for the rights and interests of these pigs is precluded, such compassion is sanctioned. Kelly refused to be complicit in the abuse she witnessed that night at a pig chase in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. She refused to walk away without bringing a presence to the rights and interests of these beautiful, intelligent, and complex creatures. So she maneuvered the fence of the pig chase ring, disrupted a round of the chase, and chanted, "One struggle, one fight! Human freedom, animal rights!" Kelly was promptly arrested and charged. She neither touched nor threatened anyone. She simply defended with her voice the terrified pigs being chased around the ring that night. Kelly now faces a Class 3 Misdemeanor, which could involve one year of jail time.

The animal rights community and the Greater Philadelphia community have raised about $3,000 to support Kelly's legal battle, but she needs at least $3,500 more. Please consider joining us for this potluck dinner and fundraiser. We request that you bring a dish or a dessert, and we invite you to donate to Kelly's legal fund at the potluck. Any amount would be appreciated. If you cannot donate, attend anyway. Your moral support would be highly valued.

Blues musician Shakey Lyman will perform during the dinner. This guy is crazy talented. Then the amateurs will take the stage for karaoke. Anyone can take the microphone to sing a song or two or seven. Massage therapist Kevin Starboard will be there with his massage chair to take the weight off of your shoulders. Plus, we will play games. Join us for a good time.

*Please bring a card or a sheet of paper listing all of your ingredients.*Please bring a serving utensil.

*The Rotunda will provide cups, plates, napkins, and eating utensils.

Read more about Kelly's situation, including the specific details of our fundraising campaign, here: https://www.gofundme.com/legalfundforkellyL.

If you want to donate to our fundraising campaign, but cannot attend the potluck, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/legalfundforkellyL.

Listen to Shakey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSpHQhuKqwE.

The Rotunda & Vision Driven Consulting are teaming up to bring resources and capacity-building workshops to  

curators and self-producing artists from any discipline.  

Workshops will be held: 

2nd Monday of each month beginning in November,

6:00 – 8:00pm at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia)

All workshops in the series are FREE and OPEN to the public, but please sign up in advance HERE to secure your spot! 

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Nonprofit, LLC, or Fiscal Sponsorship (November 9th, 6-8pm)

• Discuss the pros and cons of various structures – pool experiences and get new ideas

• Craft your mission statement to determine the structure that best suits your practice

• Sole-proprietor, LLC, 501(c)3: understand the structures and how your projects fit into them

2016 Planning (December 14th, 6-8pm)

• Plan your upcoming year of work 

• Identify your goals and break them into achievable tasks

• Plot your tasks on a timeline for 2016

Fundraising Basics (January 11th, 6-8pm)

• Learn the language of fundraising 

• Maximize opportunities beyond grants to support your projects

• Brainstorm actual fundraising ideas for your work

Grant Writing – Beginner  (February 8th, 6-8pm)

• Demystify the language and process behind grant writing

• Receive tools for finding grants 

• Read actual grant proposals to learn common mistakes and important proposal components 

Grant Writing – Intermediate (March 14th, 6-8pm)

• Review aspects of a strong grant proposal

• Practice writing an actual grant 

• Receive feedback on your draft proposal 

Real Budgeting for Real Work (April 11th, 6-8pm)

• Look at sample budgets and learn how to interpret the story behind the numbers 

• Create a budget tailored to your goals for 2016

• How to assemble a project budget for potential funders

Crowdfunding 101 (May 9th, 6-8pm)

• Learn how to tell if crowdfunding is right for your project or if it is not

• Discover the pros and cons of various crowdfunding platforms

• Receive a crowdfunding workbook to help you plan a campaign

Getting New Projects off the Ground (June 13th, 6-8pm)

• Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats of a new project 

• Think through the components of your project and its goals 

• Hone in on the details of your program or project and begin a draft project plan

Getting People to Show Up (July 11th, 6-8pm)

• Learn new techniques for building an audience, recruiting volunteers, and reaching your ideal participant

• Troubleshoot issues with audience development that you may have had in the past

• Identify tangible ways to keep people coming back in the future

Balancing Your Practice (August 8th, 6-8pm)

• Identify places of (im)balance in your practice

• Discuss health, wellness, and your work

• Share and obtain tools for successful time management

Developing Campus/Community Collaborations (September 12th, 6-8pm)

• Hear stories of successful campus and community collaborations

• Learn how to find campus and community partners

• Avoid common problems and learn how to build mutually beneficial partnerships

Goal Identification & Measurement (October 10th, 6-8pm)

• Identify what you want to achieve in your projects

• Incorporate critical feedback and self-reflection into your arts practice

• Brainstorm and receive tools for measuring success

Philadelphia Theatre of the OppressedUnpacking Race - 5-Part Workshop Series

Tuesdays in March 2016 • 6:30-9:00

WORKSHOP FULL!

Email "tophilly@gmail.com" to be put on the wait list.

In March of 2016, we bring back our popular series on race and racism. Every Tuesday we'll explore this topic through a variety of exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, and discussions, supplemented by things to read and do between sessions. Our aim is to unlearn the systemic racism we’ve been taught throughout our lives, to heal from racial privilege and oppression, and to offer starting points for structural and personal change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. 

2016's Unpacking Race series will be led by a team of four facilitators (read about them at www.tophiladelphia.blogspot.com). Because space is limited and each week's ideas build toward the next, we ask that participants commit to coming to all five sessions. Tuition is sliding scale: $45-$145, payable at the first session.

This workshop is FULL. Get on the waiting list by emailing "tophilly@gmail.com" or leave a message at 267-282-1057.

Theatre of the Oppressed combines experiences, images, sounds, movements and dialogue into ideas and actions for making social change.

Dante Kennedy debuts his New Album "The Rare Album" at The Rotunda, on March 16th, 2016. Doors are at 8pm, Show starts at 8:30pm with Free admission and will be available for all ages. Dante's "The Rare Album" will be available on every Musical Platform in the World for all your digital downloading purposes.

Dante Kennedy is breaking iconic his New Sound into the industry with his New Album release and promises to deliver greatness on the evening of March 16th, with two special guest Kinyon Lanier and Chartel who will be opening  the show. Don't miss out this spectacular event.

Contact: Dante Kennedy dantekennedymusic@gmail.com

Produced by actor Alan Rickman and the editor-in-chief of The Guardian, Katherine Viner, MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE chronicles the life of an American peace activist who traveled to Gaza in 2003 with the International Solidarity Movement to defend Palestinian homes from being demolished, to preserve compromised Palestinian water resources, and to establish a sister-city relationship between Rafah and Corrie's hometown of Olympia, Washington. She was crushed to death on March 16th, 2003 by an Israeli bulldozer while protecting her host family’s home from being demolished.Josh Perlstein directs and Ashley Malloy performs this award-winning and critically acclaimed show. Ashley became interested in Palestinian rights through Perlstein’s work with The Freedom Theatre, a professional theatre company in the Jenin Refugee Camp, founded by the late Juliano Mer Khamis.The show was first performed at Central Connecticut State University in September 2015 and was subsequently presented at the annual National End the Occupation conference in Washington, DC. Rachel’s parents, Craig and Cindy Corrie, were in attendance at both events and were effusive in their praise of Ashley’s work on the piece. The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice invited Ashley to perform this piece on March 16, 2014, the 11th anniversary of Rachel’s death, in her hometown of Olympia, Washington. She has performed in more than 35 cities nationwide, often sponsored by chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine. Ashley has performed in local theater spaces and universities, including Johns Hopkins, Vassar, Brown, Cornell, University of Chicago, Emory University, and at Rachel’s school, Evergreen State College. 

There will be a talkback after the performance.

Admission is FREE

Musicians & Artists Society Community Meeting

Attention Philly Musicians & Recording Artists!!

If you are like many looking to network, build and create with fellow musicians & artists in your community, this platform is for you! 

The Musicians & Artists Society Civic Association is designed to bring service to musicians & artists and a sense of community to the neighbors, community organizations, businesses and charitable organizations. This association is committed to advocate for the community concerning music policies, resource allocation, zoning, community fairs, live performance, public safety, sanitization and development. 

Meetings will be free and open to the public. 1st meeting to be held at The Rotunda, March 21st 6pm - 8pm

For more details and updates on upcoming meetings, events and announcements send email to musicians.artistssociety@gmail.com.

Feel free to spread the word!

Philadelphia Theatre of the OppressedUnpacking Race - 5-Part Workshop Series

Tuesdays in March 2016 • 6:30-9:00

WORKSHOP FULL!

Email "tophilly@gmail.com" to be put on the wait list.

In March of 2016, we bring back our popular series on race and racism. Every Tuesday we'll explore this topic through a variety of exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, and discussions, supplemented by things to read and do between sessions. Our aim is to unlearn the systemic racism we’ve been taught throughout our lives, to heal from racial privilege and oppression, and to offer starting points for structural and personal change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. 

2016's Unpacking Race series will be led by a team of four facilitators (read about them at www.tophiladelphia.blogspot.com). Because space is limited and each week's ideas build toward the next, we ask that participants commit to coming to all five sessions. Tuition is sliding scale: $45-$145, payable at the first session.

This workshop is FULL. Get on the waiting list by emailing "tophilly@gmail.com" or leave a message at 267-282-1057.

Theatre of the Oppressed combines experiences, images, sounds, movements and dialogue into ideas and actions for making social change.

YOU AND YOUR KIDS ARE INVITED to an international dance party this Wednesday, March 23rd, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm! Bring your children of all ages, from infants in arms on up, and learn a dozen international cultural dances with me, Jay Sand, founder and lead teacher of All Around This World, the West Philly-based global music and world cultures program for kids. Hungarian Romani dancing? Check. Filipino Tinikling? A Cajun Two-Step? Klemzer? Yemenite? Good ol' American disco? Check check check.I will teach dances aplenty and take your mind off your older kids' Philly public school spring break. The dance party is FREE -- come when you want, stay as long as you like.

Take note: While everyone is dancing, two of my friends will be taking video for me to use for teacher training purposes and on YouTube. If you're in the witness protection program and don't even want your knees shown on YouTube, let me know.

In honor of National Farmworkers Awareness Week 2016, the Urban Nutrition Initiative presents East of Salinas (by Laura Pacheco & Jackie Mow), which takes us to the heart of California's "Steinbeck Country," the Salinas Valley, to meet a bright boy and his dedicated teacher -- both sons of migrant farm workers. With parents who are busy working long hours in the fields, third grader Jose Ansaldo often turns to his teacher, Oscar Ramos, for guidance. But Jose is undocumented; he was born in Mexico. Like many other migrant children, he is beginning to understand the situation -- and the opportunities that may be lost to him through no fault of his own.

Join us for the FREE screening, followed by a snacks and a lively discussion.

It is said that music has no boundaries barring the seven notes. We go a step further, blending different genres and creating something we call the 8th note. Come see us live on 25th March 2016 at 6pm at The Rotunda; it'll be fun! Penn Sargam is a South Asian Fusion music group bringing together music ranging from Hindustani, Carnatic and Western Classical to Bollywood, Pop and Rock music. Our group is as diverse as our music, featuring musicians from all over the world. 

Tickets available on http://penn-sargam.ticketleap.com/the-8th-note Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1397514683888644/

Philadelphia Theatre of the OppressedUnpacking Race - 5-Part Workshop Series

Tuesdays in March 2016 • 6:30-9:00

WORKSHOP FULL!

Email "tophilly@gmail.com" to be put on the wait list.

In March of 2016, we bring back our popular series on race and racism. Every Tuesday we'll explore this topic through a variety of exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, and discussions, supplemented by things to read and do between sessions. Our aim is to unlearn the systemic racism we’ve been taught throughout our lives, to heal from racial privilege and oppression, and to offer starting points for structural and personal change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. 

2016's Unpacking Race series will be led by a team of four facilitators (read about them at www.tophiladelphia.blogspot.com). Because space is limited and each week's ideas build toward the next, we ask that participants commit to coming to all five sessions. Tuition is sliding scale: $45-$145, payable at the first session.

This workshop is FULL. Get on the waiting list by emailing "tophilly@gmail.com" or leave a message at 267-282-1057.

Theatre of the Oppressed combines experiences, images, sounds, movements and dialogue into ideas and actions for making social change.

WOMYN’S HER-STORIES IN THE MIDST EVENT TO SHOWCASE FEMALE ARTISTS AT THE ROTUNDAPoet-Tree En Motion, A Free Community Arts Series, Presents Regional Female Artists March 30 in West Philly

 Lorenda Knisel, PHILADELPHIA – Women’s History Month in March is a time to recognize the often-unsung achievements of women around the world. In Philadelphia, the work of some of the region’s most-talented female artists gets celebrated every year at Poet-tree En Motion’s free event “Womyn’s Her-Stories in the Midst.”

 The ninth-annual multidisciplinary art event is scheduled for 7-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30at The Rotunda in West Philadelphia. In the tradition of all of the Poet-tree En Motion events, occurring three times a year, the artist lineup will include an eclectic array of talent.

 “Womyn’s Her-Stories in the Midst” will feature spoken-word, hip-hop, 3-D animation, acrylic paintings, West African drumming, rock ‘n’ roll, hoop dance, flow arts and more. Every Poet-tree En Motion event features an open-mic/open-stage and a jam session to showcase the talents of the community. Signups can be made at the start of the event.

“Throughout all of the events, there is an engagement with the community,” says Poet-tree En Motion founder and resident artist Gabrielle de Burke. “I’m trying to do something different that’s not just an open mike night. I like when there’s a range of performances at the events. The whole thing is a ritual – the coming together of the performers and the audience. I am down with everyone participating the way they feel. Poet-tree En Motion is an opportunity to give space to other artists.”

The next Poet-tree En Motion events will be in June and September 2016 at The Rotunda, located at 4014 Walnut St. in West Philadelphia. These are free events. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the door.

For information about Poet-tree En Motion, visit www.facebook.com/4plumdragoness, and join www.facebook.com/groups/116980678334215. For the “Womyn’s Her-Stories in the Midst” event page, visit facebook.com/events/760604470739478. 

“Womyn’s Her-stories in the Midst” Artist Lineup:

Britt Gen: A multimedia artist blurring the lines of industry's standards. Her life inspirations led her to portray elements of trauma and divine beauty. • facebook.com/britt.gen

The Market-Frankford Forest Fairies (Dana Ricci and Tara Adelizzi are Mz. Hula and HoopZ): A hip-hop performance duo combining hoop dance, writing and music that explores flow arts and life in Philadelphia. • facebook.com/RapFairies

Plum Dragoness (a.k.a. Gabrielle de Burke): Resident artist and organizer for this event, known for her unique style of multi-disciplinary performance presentations and work as an arts educator. • facebook.com/4plumdragoness

The Primaries: Community-based Philly musicians, converging in dark venues, donning vibrant disguises to make sweet, sweet rock ‘n’ roll! • facebook.com/wearetheprimaries

Jan Jefferies and M.O.M. (Music Over Matter): Under the expert tutelage of founder and percussionist Jan Jeffries, this dynamic percussion ensemble shares their tradition of West African drumming. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYzrccdxGSc

Ursula Rucker: A poet who’s never been afraid to take it there – that place, deep, inside, up and above, where she carves emotion with piercing lyrical cadence. • facebook.com/ursularucker

Visurreal: This visual production artist focuses on creating visionary real-time 3-D animation and visuals, layering live-mixed effects until a static painting dances with life. • facebook.com/visurreal###

MEDIA CONTACTS:Gabrielle de Burke (artist Plum Dragoness)Founder/Event Organizer Poet-tree En Motion484-557-9605plumdragoness@gmail.com

PHOTO CAPTIONS:Her-Stories 1: "Le Néant" is an acrylic painting by multimedia artist Britt Gen.Her-Stories 2: Gabrielle de Burke (stage name Plum Dragoness) is known for her unique style of multi-disciplinary performance presentations. She is also the founder and event organizer of Poet-tree En Motion at The Rotunda.Her-Stories 3: Jan Jeffries and her percussion ensemble, M.O.M. (Music Over Matter), share the tradition of West African drumming.Her-Stories 4: Dana Ricci is one half of the Market-Frankford Forest Fairies, a hip-hop and flow arts duo.Her-Stories 5: “Red,” “Yellow” and “Blue” perform as the rock ‘n’ roll group The Primaries.Her-Stories 6: Tara Adellizi, who performs as one of the Market-Frankford Forest Fairies, shares her hip-hop spoken word and flow artistry.Her-Stories 7: Ursula Rucker is a spoken-word poet known for her “piercing lyrical cadence.”

EVENT LISTING:“Womyn’s Her-Stories in the Midst” is a multidisciplinary art event by Poet-tree En Motion to celebrate female artists for Women’s History Month 7-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St. in West Philadelphia. The event is free. For information, contact event organizer Gabrielle de Burke at 484-557-9605 or plumdragoness@gmail.com.