MALVERN, PA.: People’s Light has announced that its previously scheduled programming for in-person productions in 2021 will be presented virtually instead. The updated digital season of performances will stream on the company’s virtual platform, Always On.
“We are all eager to produce and experience live theatre again, but it’s clear that we cannot safely resume performances in March as previously planned,” said executive artistic director Abigail Adams in a statement. “The landscape of American theatre looks very different this year. It’s vital that we find ways to connect with our audiences, develop new relationships and skills, and, most importantly, provide safe employment for theatre staff, artisans, and artists.”
The season will kick off with A Christmas Carol in Concert (Dec. 8-Jan. 3, 2021), a music-filled adaptation Charles Dickens’s holiday classic conceived by Zak Berkman. The concert features original music by Berkman, and Mitch Chakour serves as music director. The performance, featuring 19 local artists, was recently recorded at People’s Light and helmed by David Bradley. The film was directed and edited by Leo Switucha.
Next up will be America 2am (Feb. 22-March 28, 2021), an episodic series about revelations that unfold in the wee hours of the morning, and the all-hours Zoom conversations no one is supposed to witness.
Following will be Spiritual Uprising (April 2-May 2, 2021), conceived and performed by Zonya Love. This concert event will showcase Love’s collection of reimagined Negro Spirituals, featuring renditions of “My Way’s Cloudy” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” with a full band.
The season will close out with a yet to be announced filmed play in the spring/summer of 2021.
Access to individual Always On Premium performances ranges from $15 to $25 per household. People’s Light patrons can upgrade to the Always On Premium Zoom In Pass, which includes access to the same performance, in addition to invitations to exclusive Zoom parties with People’s Light staff and artists. Patrons can also access programming and support People’s Light with an Always On Premium Digital Pass for $75 or $150.
“People’s Light remains committed to producing dynamic and relevant new work,” said producing director Zak Berkman in a statement. “We see this digital season as an opportunity to continue to collaborate with our artists and connect them with local and national audiences from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. This is a surreal, difficult, and revelatory time for so many theatremakers. We want to find ways to amplify their creativity in whatever new forms are possible.”
Founded in 1974, People’s Light makes and experiences theatre through arts education programs, bringing people together for reflection, discovery, and celebration.
