Yes , this is a desperate appeal for funds . I have no personal connection to the Magic Theatre, but they are important to me because of who they are and what they do.
I know that most financial appeals here are for candidates, or political concerns of some sort . I understand that. I also know that many of you consider yourselves progressive, and it is on this basis that I address you. As a theatre artist I believe that theatre is crucial to the health of society. It is a space where people can gather and be exposed to differing opinions. It can be used as a space for human recognition in a society where we are too often shut off to one another. The problem with theatre in America is that these functions are rarely understood . Rather, it's seen as a luxury in an economic time where there is no room for luxury . The theatre is dying in this country . Many long-standing organizations simply don't have the money to go on. As the theatre goes, so goes the soul of our society .
Why, with the number of theatres in trouble, do I choose to focus on the Magic Theatre? They are the most important, in terms ot cultural capital and impact over the years. As well, they are the most progressive. Not just in their season selection, but in the playwrights they choose and have chosen to work with over the years. In their willingness to address difficult and emotionally charged subjects. The inventiveness of their staging . Their desire to use theatre as a vehicle for the social good.
If we want a more progressive society , we need everyone on board, including the artists. Maybe especially the artists.A play or piece of music can often reach people who are tuned out to politics. Roosevelt realized this with the WPA and the Living Newspaper, but I have yet to see any such recognition in the Obama Administration, so we have to do it ourselves. The Magic Theatre is our Russ Feingold, Barbara Lee, Bernie Sanders. It is a solid progressive voice in a theatre economy that literally cannot afford to be progressive - because all too often that's not what sells tickets. Don't let them die for lack of money. If you can afford to donate any amount, please consider it. If you are religious and tithe to worthy organizations, put these folks at the top of your list.
I'm posting a link to their plea, but the short version is this:
In order to keep the doors open, they need $350,000 dollars by January 9th.
Here's the link: http://www.magictheatre.org/
You'll see the press release on the splash page. Please recommend, digg, furl, Facebook, Deli.ci.ous, Twitter, forward. Get the word out any way you can . We are the people who raised 60 million dollars for Barack Obama in a month . We can do this! Remember, none of us are free until all of us are free.