The pink lights dimmed as Communication sophomore Holly Simon stared deeply into the crowd, reciting a poem about friendship.
Simon was participating in “Art in Action,” a Friday showcase put on by the Jewish Theatre Ensemble that highlighted the need for community. The organization raised money for Mudlark Theater and collaborated with Evanston businesses through the event.
While the performers presented solos and original performances, they also had the opportunity to perform together.
“It’s a fun sort of instance of different sorts of collaboration,” said Weinberg first-year Hadley Green.
Every year, JTE hosts two special events, including Song Cycle. “Art in Action” is their second event for the academic year.
According to Medill sophomore and Daily assistant solutions editor Kate Moores, the show’s producer, JTE strives to incorporate three values in each of their events: community, collaboration and education. This year, Moores said she wanted to plan an event focused on philanthropy.
“I came up with this idea of a benefit performance, kind of like a gala, with some kind of performance aspect to it,” Moores said. “But we’re also raising money for a local arts organization.”
Moores reached out to multiple Evanston art organizations in search of a partner organization, including Mudlark Theater, a nonprofit youth theater organization in Evanston. “Art in Action” performers participated in workshops at the theater and mentored its young students.
Communication sophomore Laurel Eith performed the guitar at the show and workshops. She said the students gave constructive feedback afterwards.
“It was really refreshing to be with kids who are unafraid to speak of what they think, and who actually gave valuable feedback, like unfiltered opinions,” Eith said.
Green said she enjoyed her time working with Mudlark Theater students. She said she enjoyed hearing what inspired the students to pursue the arts.
Eith started the show with a vocal and guitar performance of a love song she wrote back in high school. The song was based on a relationship she had; “I’m singing about love and wistful hope, and that ends on a, not necessarily sad, but nostalgic note,” she said.
Following Eith’s song, Simon performed their poem, which focused on a summer camp relationship and an old friendship. Then, Mudlark Theater actor and seventh grader Naomi Seltzer, delivered a monologue from Season 2 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
JTE kept the Evanston community in mind throughout the planning, Moores said. Before the performances, they even catered food from Evanston businesses.
“The best part of this whole production has been being able to see all of these different groups across campus, Mudlark Theater and the Evanston community,” Moores said. “We’ve been able to go outside of the theater community and work with so many different groups.”
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