After Orlando

After Orlando: An International Theatre Action created by OBIE award winner, Caridad Svich is set for the Phoenix stages in January 2017. After Orlando is an international theater experience inspired by the 2015 summer tragedy at Pulse Nightclub, where 49 innocent people were murdered. After Orlando is collaboration featuring over seventy playwrights from around the world. The Phoenix edition of this international project will be under the direction and artistic guidance of Associate Artistic Director for Phoenix Theater Robert Harper and Arizona State University Associate Professor of Voice and Acting at the Herberger Institute, Micha Espinosa. The project will include the participation of over 30 local artists and a keynote speech from State Representative-Elect Daniel Hernandez, who gained national recognition for saving the life of US Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in 2011. After Orlando has been produced and performed in over 50 theaters and universities around the country, and includes internationally recognized playwrights from the United States, Canada, The United Kingdom, Australia, and Uganda. Among the playwrights are Neil LaBute, Elaine Romero, Mia Chung, Israel Horovitz and Oliver Mayer, among many others. Robert Harper, from Phoenix Theatre, spoke enthusiastically about the project; “After Orlando directly aligns with our mission, which aims to create an exceptional theatrical experience by using the arts to articulate messages that inspire hope and understanding.” The one-day theatre event intends to provide a space where controversial topics, like gun control, can be facilitated through theatre. Micha Espinosa, from Arizona State University, reflected on the collaboration, “As an institute of higher education, ASU is committed to forging strong community ties that enhance our ability to understand, question or investigate a person’s sorrow, anger or hopes in response to current events, in this case the Orlando Tragedy. It is especially exciting to work with a professional theatre company like Phoenix Theatre and many local artists I have come to respect over the years.” After Orlando is scheduled for Sunday, January 29th at 6pm in the Hormel Theatre at Phoenix Theatre.