On Monday, May 6, 2013, dancers and actors will light up the stage of the Engleman Recital Hall at Baruch College's Performing Arts Center to raise funds and awareness for AIDS Walk New York.
With all proceeds benefiting AIDS Walk New York, the world's largest AIDS fundraising event, the evening will feature works from In-Sight Dance Company under the direction of Leeanne G-Bowley, co-founder and artistic/executive director, and two 10-minute one-act plays from two of New York City's emerging playwrights, Sarah M. Duncan and Kate Foster.
In-Sight Dance Company, based in Queens, creates and performs new works, raises the profile of dance in Queens, and participates in community service to support the neighborhoods and populations it represents. Founded in 2008, In-Sight Dance is thrilled to kick off its fourth season with two world premieres at "Make Art, Fight AIDS."
On May 6, In-Sight will unveil two new works, one a piece set to Jerry Fuentes' title track off his new album "Standing in Line," choreographed by In-Sight's co-founder Donna Lucy. The other piece is the world premiere of "Pleading Against Prophecy" a ballet set to critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Jillette Johnson's debut album "Water in a Whale" which comes out June 25, 2013 on Wind-up Records. Leeanne G-Bowley, who also serves as chair of Dance/NYC's Junior Committee, choreographed the ballet entitled "Pleading Against Prophecy" in collaboration with In-Sight Dance Company's dancers. G-Bowley describes the work as "a collection of linked yet unrelated pieces that explore struggle and triumph with self and society."
G-Bowley finds the partnership between In-Sight Dance Company and AIDS Walk New York to be incredibly important. "The work of GMHC and the funding AIDS Walk New York provides are vital to our New York community," remarks G-Bowley. "I am proud that In-Sight Dance is contributing to a long tradition of dance artists working to raise awareness and support for organizations that serve those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS."
Robert Siron, production coordinator at AIDS Walk New York, says that, "in this time, fundraising events like AIDS Walk New York, and smaller events within it such as 'Make Art, Fight AIDS' are crucial to enabling GMHC to continue the work that it does. They can no longer rely on government support, and more and more of the funding is going to have to come from the people." Siron is alluding to the recent sequestration which would cut 10% from GMHC's operating budget, reducing its ability to provide services to its 10,000 clients.
Siron added that bringing in theater to the mix was the logical continuation of the event. Works featuring, written, or directed by Duncan or Foster can be found all over the city, and both artists are actively involved in social movements throughout New York City. With their plays commissioned by Siron for the event, Siron says that they will bring a fresh young voice to the 30-year-old cause.
Tickets are $15 and are being sold at the door and online at http://makeartfightaids.bpt.me/. Seating is limited for this one-night-only event. Use #MakeArtFightAIDS on Twitter for updates about the event. For more information on In-Sight Dance Company, visit www.insightdance.org. Listen to music from Jillette Johnson and receive updates on her new album at www.jillettejohnson.com/.
About AIDS Walk New York: Since 1986, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $128 million for HIV programs and services in the tri-state area, and has grown into the largest AIDS fundraising event in the world. In 2012 alone, 45,000 participants, many of whom were members of more than 3,000 corporate and community teams, raised over $5.8 million for GMHC and 40 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations. For more information, please visit aidswalk.net/newyork
