Virtual Theatre season kicks off Sept. 12 & 13 with “Cadillac Crew”
The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz begins its 2020-21 production season with virtual, live-streamed performances of “Cadillac Crew,” on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13.
“Cadillac Crew” is a story of the civil rights movement written by Tori Sampson. This performance is directed by Martine Green-Rogers, associate professor of theatre arts at New Paltz.
About “Cadillac Crew”
The drama takes place in 1960s Virginia, on the day of a highly anticipated speech by famed activist Rosa Parks. A discussion unfolds between four women working in a civil rights office, who ponder questions of whether the movement’s proclamation of equality amongst all people is inclusive of women.
“I think the play’s relevance is in discussing how women’s voices have been excluded from history, and the active role Black women have had in activism and social change throughout history,” said Green-Rogers. “I also enjoy the very real connection the play makes between the activism of the ’60s and the activism of now.”
“Cadillac Crew” will be the Department of Theatre Arts’ first foray into live streaming, following the implementation of necessary restrictions on indoor arts and entertainment related to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Green-Rogers and the student cast and crew have worked to find creative solutions to help audiences experience the visual environment of the play to the fullest possible extent. The director expressed excitement about live streaming’s potential to reach an audience well beyond campus.
“I love that it opens up the accessibility of this story to anyone who has an internet connection, as opposed to having to be in New Paltz to see it or participate in it, and that we figured out how to bring this important story to everyone in some way,” Green-Rogers said.
How the virtual performance works
Performances of “Cadillac Crew” will be given on:
- Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., and
- Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.
Guests are required to RSVP in advance to join the virtual audience for this first-ever live-streamed production from SUNY New Paltz’s Department of Theatre Arts.
Please use this link to RSVP
After RSVPing, ticket holders will receive a confirmation email with a link to the live stream. The link will be active about 15 minutes before showtime. Simply click or copy the link into your browser to view the performance.
Reservations are offered on a “pay what you can” scale and are limited to four tickets per person.
The Department of Theatre Arts thanks the community for supporting our students’ education and creativity during these unprecedented times. Please use this link to read more about how our work is continuing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.