NEW HAVEN, CONN.: Long Wharf Theatre has announced a convening called Artistic Congress, a three-day gathering dedicated to leaders, artists, and civic-minded community members to discuss the vital importance of bringing people together across sectors to preserve democracy. The Congress will be held in partnership with, and take place at, Yale Schwarzman Center, Oct. 25-27.
“As leaders in the arts, we hold a profound responsibility to illuminate the human experience through our craft,” said Jacob Padrón, Long Wharf Theatre’s artistic director, in a statement. “Theatre is essential to democracy, reflecting society’s complexities, injustices and aspirations. Facilitating dialogue among industry leaders is not just an opportunity, but a duty to ensure that the future of theatre remains a beacon of artistic expression and a catalyst for social change.”
The Artistic Congress will be an opportunity to gather creative advocates and spearhead change in the industry. The event will include panels, workshops, and keynotes focused on uplifting Indigenous voices and the evolution of regional theatre. A welcoming reception, networking opportunities, and artistic performances will set a precedent for community-based activism in the arts on a national scale. In addition, Yale Schwarzman Center’s Dome will host a staged reading of this dry spell, Keegon Schuett’s 2024 Yale Drama Series Prize-winning play, which was selected by award-winning playwright and Yale School of Drama alum Jeremy O. Harris.
Another highlight of the Congress will be Civic Scores, co-designed and co-facilitated by Michael Rohd, in partnership with Long Wharf Theatre. Rohd will collaborate with three local artists who will each use their own creative practice to build opportunities for a public exchange that supports democracy and discourse. Each artist will work with a community partner to design a dialogue about a specific civic issue, offering an alternative approach to a standard public forum or community meeting. Participants in the Congress will participate in these scores and explore together how artists can help move key conversations forward to expand our collective civic imagination.
“Creating a safe space for political advocacy in theatre is essential; it allows voices to be heard, stories to be told, and change to be inspired, fostering a community in which diverse perspectives can flourish and spark meaningful dialogue,” said Rachel Fine, executive director of the Yale Schwarzman Center, in a statement. “I am honored to collaborate with Long Wharf Theatre in continuing to center New Haven as a hub for political engagement, culture, and the arts.”
Weekend passes are $126, and single keynote tickets will be available for $40. Additional panels and keynote speakers will be announced at a later date. Tickets and more information about the event can be found on Long Wharf’s website.
