Midwinter Works 2020
Proximity, Bodies in Motion
January 24th - 26th
Midwinter Works is a three-day gathering that invites community artists, performers, citizens, activists, designers, organizers, scholars, and teachers to exchange ideas, participate in discussions, experience performances, and hear provocations on the theme: Proximity, bodies in motion. We will focus on the ways that art shifts and challenges the ways we see, hear, and engage with the world around us, forging new connections, and influencing our understanding of ourselves and others. How does our body know itself in proximity to the places and bodies which surround it?
During Midwinter Works, participants will have the opportunity to see and experience new art works, works in progress, concerts, discussion panels, workshops, and film screenings, as well as conversations with some of the city’s teachers, community leaders, curators, students, and artists. Panels will bring artists and community leaders from around the city together to engage ideas and share experiences related to the work of creating a more equitable culture and economy through the arts in New Orleans and the region.
Reflections and Documentation from Midwinter Works 2020Schedule of Events
All events occur at the Beaubourg Theatre on 614 Gravier Street in the CBD. More information on where we are and how to get there is here.
Panels and workshops are made possible by funding from Beaubourg and the Tulane Mellon Graduate Program.
Read Panelist and participant bios here.
Facebook Event here.
Friday, January 24th
6:30PM — Directing Theatre Workshop with playwright Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj
A discussion on theories and principles professional directors use when building up the empty space. Please register here.
8:00PM — Reading of work from current residents of the New Orleans Writers’ Residency
Maria Alajandra Barrios, Mark Daniel Taylor, Anastacia Renee, Kimberly Bliss. Read writer bios here.
9:10PM — Short Performances featuring new work from Nkechi Chibueze (“Pervirgin”) and Bennett Kirschner of Intramural Theater (“The Business of Medicine” featuring Kevin Real, Mat Schwarzman & Molly Kirschner. Set Design by Max Skelton & Hal Baker. Scenic Design by Rosa Booth)
10:00PM — An Evening of Comedy
Saturday January 25th
10:00AM — Basic Improv (Or, How To Play Well With Others) Workshop with Carrie Moulder
As creatives working together to build something beautiful, we need others to help, to solve problems, or to grow an idea, and all of that starts with listening, accepting, and adding to what others have to offer. Applying a few easy-to-implement principles of improv can improve collaboration even in the most diverse and headstrong teams. This workshop guides participants through improv exercises that focus on listening, accepting, and endowments. The experience gained can easily be transitioned into any endeavor where successful teamwork is critical to success.
1:00PM — Regional Theatre Makers Panel
A conversation amongst Southern regional theatre makers on developing new work and sustainability with
Yolanda Williams - Producing Artistic Director of Blue Light Underground Ensemble - Jackson, MS
Gregory Williams - New Venture Theatre - Baton Rouge, LA
Ed Verdin - Soulful Productions - Houma, Layfayette, LA
Moderated by Lauren E. Turner of No Dream Deferred in NOLA
3:15PM — Town Hall on Performance in New Orleans
An open conversation on Space & Equity in New Orleans performance communities facilitated by Maryam Fatima Foye
5:30PM — Short Performances featuring new work from Nkechi Chibueze, Vally O, and Bennett Kirschner of Intramural Theater
8:30PM — Our Grand Opening Party with musical guests
Sunday, January 26th
11:00AM — New School Panel
A conversation on new ways of learning and new ideas in education with local educator panelists
Charm Taylor (Artist/Educator/Guide) from the Living School in New Orleans East
Rachel Nelson from Bard Early College in New Orleans
Andrea Heard (Educator/Creator)
Chris Givens from Beaubourg School
Moderated by India Mack, teacher and Creative Executive Director of No Dream Deferred
1:00PM — Artists and Systems of Education Panel with
Maria-Alejandra Arauz, ELL Program Coordinator and Educator, Schaumburg Elementary and Middle School
Alicia Square, Director of MTSS (Multi-Tier System of Support) at Bricolage Academy of New Orleans
Deja Jones, Artist and former student in New Orleans education system
Rashida Govan, Ph.D, Executive Director for New Orleans Youth Alliance
Moderated by Marta Rodriguez Maleck, Interviewer, Organizer, and Artist
4:00PM — Movement workshop
6:00PM — Open Screen
An open mic for filmmakers that invites all types of filmmakers to show short works and get feedback. Bring a short work 10 minutes or less to show!
7:30PM — Filmshop Showcase and New Regional Cinema shorts
9:15PM — Short Performances featuring new work from Nkechi Chibueze, Vally O, and Bennett Kirschner of Intramural Theater
Guiding questions for Midwinter Works 2020
Beginning from the idea that art is a powerful agent in the process of social change, we invite a variety of proposals that connect the work of artists to current issues of public life and vice versa. On this inaugural year, Midwinter Works will explore issues and questions such as:
Racial and gender equity in our society and our fields
How does our body know itself in proximity to others ?
What is the state of the queer, folk, red, brown, black, country, urban, aging, transforming body ?
body knowledge, body memory, body imagination, the cultural body, the body’s limit
What does New Orleans need as a community of people imagining and building their futures together? What spaces exist already that serve this purpose? What space don’t yet exist?
Where are the gaps and what kind of opportunities might be created in response?
What does a more sustainable and robust ecosystem look like for the arts in New Orleans?
How can we help create the future and transition into a more participatory, inclusive culture?
How can we tell new stories about ourselves and imagine a culture where real opportunities of empowerment exist equally for all?
View our previous call for proposals and participation here (now closed for submissions).
