Family Theater Night

Posted by DCA Theater on September 16, 2009 in January-June 2009 Season, INCUBATOR Series: The Vet Art Project

The Vet Art Project returns in October with a fun event supporting both veterans and their families:

Wednesday, October 14, 6-10 p.m.
Family Theater Night
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, Garland Room (1st floor), Chicago

Welcoming all family members recently reunited post-tour of duty to learn improv techniques to recreate a happy family occasion. If you are a veteran without any immediate family living in the area bring your friends and come and create a happy memory with participating artists. Led by Salsation Theatre Company.

For more info on The Vet Art Project, visit www.vetartproject.com.

War and the Soul

Posted by DCA Theater on August 10, 2009 in January-June 2009 Season, INCUBATOR Series: The Vet Art Project

The Vet Art Project continues its work supporting veterans with an event in September, here’s the quick info: 

WAR AND THE SOUL - Foundation Dedicated to Creating Safe-Return Programs for Vets Provides Unique Opportunity to Learn About PTSD.

The Vet Art Project, in association with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs Theater, will host a presentation by Dr. John Fisher, Senior Veteran Liaison Soldier’s Heart, Wednesday, September 16, 2009, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This event will be held in the Chicago Cultural Center, 1st floor Garland Room, 78 E. Washington, Chicago. Dr. Fisher’s September 16th presentation is open to the public and free of charge.

The presentation will explore how trauma affects veterans and how our communities can help. Dr. Fisher’s presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. Dr. Fisher is a Vietnam War Veteran and Senior Veteran Liaison for Soldier’s Heart. He leads return trips to Viet Nam each Spring and speaks all over the country about the journey of the warrior.

For more info on The Vet Art Project, check out www.vetartproject.com.

Impressions after witnessing New Art About War

Posted by DCA Theater on February 27, 2009 in January-June 2009 Season, INCUBATOR Series: The Vet Art Project

from Charlotte, friend of the Vet Art Project

Two friends & I were impressed by the art work, short plays and essays performed for the Vet Arts Project at the Chicago Cultural Center.

It was so good to see Lisa Rosenthal, the creator/leader, at the end of the program, call to the stage all the people involved in
the production. What a work of art to coordinate this varied group.

I have been thinking about the different pieces such as the female veteran of the Iraq conflict and the father struggling to understand both the loss of his older brother in the Vietnam war and his son preparing to be a Navy Seal.

Only Lisa Rosenthal could lead artists to explore this troubling, difficult part of our existence as North American U. S. citizens.

I was glad to see Ted Hogarth, a skilled saxophonist perform with the veteran inspired musical group toward the end of the program.

I am grateful to have experienced the Vet Arts Project and share it with others.

Charlotte

Ripple Effects

Posted by DCA Theater on February 27, 2009 in January-June 2009 Season, INCUBATOR Series: The Vet Art Project

by Lisa Rosenthal, Vet Art Project facilitator

Here are some interesting ripples in the Chicago Community caused by the Vet Art Project:

2 people were so inspired by the program they are now going to volunteer at their local VA

DCA Theater is now permanently offering a discount ticket price to all veterans

Many veterans are calling to participate in the next project

Many people are asking where they can see this performance because they’re sorry they missed it. (Sorry, this was a single night performance unless . . . anyone interested in remounting this?)

We now have a mailing list.

Do you know of a ripple effect? Please add it to the comments!

Here are some kind words of support we’ve received to date:

“Thank you so very much for letting us participate in this incredible program. You did a hell of a job many can be very proud of!”—Bob Curry, Vietnam Veteran, Founder dryhootch.org

“They were all moving, riveting, resounding, stirring, saddening, maddening. You have given us a great gift with your vision.”—Ilona Meagher, author of Moving a Nation to Care, ptsdcombat.blogspot.com

Read more »

Vet Art Project at the Chicago Cultural Center-By the Numbers

Posted by DCA Theater on February 27, 2009 in January-June 2009 Season, INCUBATOR Series: The Vet Art Project

from Lisa Rosenthal, Vet Art Project facilitator

As we take time to assess the amazing community we gathered in the Studio Theater for programs and the Preston Bradley Hall performance of New Art About War last Monday, I want to share some figures with you:

30     Number of Veteran Participants

>60   Number of Artist Participants

>240   Number of People Who Attended Community Building Workshops & Creative Arts Programming as part of the Vet Art Project (in the first two weeks & final day of programming)

230   Number of People Who Attended the New Art About War Performance on 02.23.09

We also are receiving many grateful e-mails from audience members. I’ll post these soon.