A provocative, eclectic and heralded theatrical creation rarely seen since its inception decades ago, innovator, activist and theatre icon Elizabeth Swados’ 1977 breakout sensation Nightclub Cantata is a joyful song cycle of world literature about survival: what compels us back to life and to living as one. Based on texts by Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda and other poets, the eclectic evening of sound, literature, poetry, and bold physicality melds to intrigue, provoke, and engage the listener. Whimsical, intense, insightful and singular, Nightclub Cantata combines what Swados called “the seriousness of a cantata with the frivolousness of a nightclub." The ground-breaking work premiered at The Village Gate in 1977 and has not been seen on the NYC stage for over 40 years! It is born of the avant-garde tradition of the 1960s and 70s, yet it is fresh, vital and relevant to our lives today.
Bill Castellino directs and choreographs the cast of seven, including Noreen Crayton (Nat. Tour: Rent), Sarah Nandola, Pearl Rhein (B'way: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812), Noah Ruebeck, Hansel Tan, and Miles Whitaker, with understudy Victoria Casillo.
In honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, three-time cancer survivor and patient advocate Valerie David is staging her critically, internationally acclaimed comedic solo show. Talkbacks with cancer organizations and health care professionals follow each performance.
Now battling breast cancer after fighting off lymphoma, Valerie does something most people facing cancer in their life probably wouldn't think of doing. With a fear that she might lose “the girls”, she takes them out for one last hurrah. And does Valerie succeed? Is there a “happy” ending? Come see the show to find out! This sexy, adventurous solo show follows Valerie's journey to seek her own “hulk-like” strength to find her superhero within to become a 3-time cancer survivor. An empowering and true story of inspiration for anyone facing ANY adversity in their own lives! With plenty of humor—guaranteed!
Valerie “hulked out” on cancer; after her first two bouts with cancer—Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999 and then breast cancer in 2014/2015. Then in September 2018, Valerie was re-diagnosed with breast cancer—this time Stage IV metastatic. As of April 2019, she has beaten cancer again and has continued to beat it! There is no trace of her cancer—zero evidence of disease.
Her solo play is a celebration of being comfortable in one’s own skin, of embracing and accepting one’s own body—no matter the shape or size. The Pink Hulk is a true testament to the power of our own inner superheroes within to fight back any challenges in life—to never give up and always have hope!
“My show is not just about fighting cancer; it has a universal message of hope and empowerment. And what makes it stand out, is its humor,” Valerie said. “And after all, a cancer diagnosis means only one thing: Time to get laid!”
Valerie goes beyond just performing her award-winning solo show The Pink Hulk and is truly making a difference: She raises awareness, educates and inspires communities through her outreach, engagement and patient advocacy initiatives. She raises money through her performances for domestic and international cancer organizations. Valerie has also created “The Pink Hulk Forums,” moderating these panels of health care experts to discuss the latest breakthroughs in research and medicine, the obstacles of our health care system, and provides resources for cancer patients and survivors seeking both financial and emotional support. She has contributed to panel discussions with Theater Resources Unlimited, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival, and other organizations. Valerie nurtures and mentors solo show performers and encourages them to create their own stories, as well as providing advice and guidance on touring. She conducts improv and writing workshops for groups both internationally and domestically, including monthly for cancer patients and survivors through The Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club of NYC). Valerie is also a member of Broadway Hearts, where she is part of the Broadway community performing weekly virtual singalongs at children’s hospitals nationwide to bring smiles and joy to children in need. The Pink Hulk was performed at Rhode Island College’s nursing department as an educational tool for doctors, nurses, and hospitals to help them understand the patient perspective when patients go through their cancer treatment, as well as post-treatment.
The Pink Hulk has been accepted into more than 40 theater festivals since its 2016 debut, performing domestically in 23 cities and worldwide including in England, Sweden and Finland, garnering rave reviews and winning several awards. Most recently, she won the prestigious “Act Alone Solo Show Award” at the 2021 Reykjavik Fringe Festival in Iceland.
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Theater.Drama
On september 26th we will present you with a variety of word craft artist such as former Def Poet Black Ice, Southern Fried Poetry champion Novakane, and several Dutch artist!
In addition we are inviting US based poets to post their performance video on our Facebook page and possibly rhyme their way all the way to our SPOKEN Amsterdam event in January ' 14. A small selection of the artists who do will be invited to touch the stage in the Cell Theatre, one of those artist will be offered the tickets to SPOKEN Amsterdam!
All in all, SPOKEN events are innovative and exciting, yet inspiring and honest. Come enjoy this new event with us and connect with other fans of the spoken word, in the presence of poets!
From a Dutch newspaper:
"Not only the artists are pulled into the rabbit hole of suspense. The audience has the rare opportunity to see their idols outside of their comfort zone, up close and personal. They are literally In The Presence Of Poets. Due to the fact that the artist knows he or she only controls one third of the stage time, nervousness acts up with even the most experienced of artists. The audience picks up on this suspense and emphatically becomes equally nervous, but also excited with the anticipation of the performance. Artist and audience interact beyond the usual level of crowd participation. It's truly interaction; even before the audience get's to ask the artist questions. Once the artist leaves the stage, he or she has created and undergone an experience that they like a lot, but are happy to be done with. Yet, they want to come back to improve their performance."
Arts.Literary