Community, Arts James Bairaktaris Community, Arts James Bairaktaris

MoCA and WAAC Will Exhibit Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC) Works in Winter Show

Contributed piece from the WestPAC collection. Photos by Larry Silver, Yangzhou, China, 1997-2000 
Contributed piece from the WestPAC collection. Photos by Larry Silver, Yangzhou, China, 1997-2000

Two community-focused arts organizations, MoCA Westport and Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC), are excited to announce a new collaboration that will commence with an exhibition at MoCA featuring selected works from Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC). The exhibition will be co-curated by Westport Town Curator Kathie Bennewitz and Liz Leggett, MoCA Westport's Director of Exhibitions. The exhibition will be on view at MoCA Westport (19 Newtown Turnpike) in the Winter of 2021/22.


WAAC's mission is to bring attention to Westport's artistic treasures, of which WestPAC is the most significant. "WestPAC has a foundation that dates back to 1910, with more than 1500 artworks displayed in schools and municipal buildings to create rich learning and visually stimulating environments," stated Bennewitz. "A partnership with MoCA Westport, with their expansive gallery space, is an ideal venue for ongoing thematic exhibitions from our collection," she added.


"We strive to present thought-provoking and relevant arts experiences, and we look forward to sharing WestPAC works that are often displayed in settings that may be inaccessible to the public. We hope that through this collaboration, we can create a dialogue, reframe perspectives and build community," stated Ruth Mannes, MoCA Westport's Executive Director.

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Community, Arts James Bairaktaris Community, Arts James Bairaktaris

Country Playhouse Announces Live, In-Person Shows Return this Fall

Photo by Robert Benson 
Photo by Robert Benson

Westport Country Playhouse announces that in-person theatrical productions will resume this fall with a live staging of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama, “Doubt: A Parable,” playing November 2 through November 20. In addition, the play will be filmed before a live audience for on-demand streaming at home. “Doubt” is written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director.


“Following the close of our 2019 season of plays, no one could have predicted that we would not produce a play on our stage in the presence of an audience until 23 months later,” said Michael Barker, Playhouse managing director. “For more than a year, we have produced online, outdoors, and on the radio, providing theatrical and educational programming for our immediate community and audiences around the world. Recently, we returned to the theater with comedy and cabaret performances, a toe in the waters of normalcy.


“Now we are back with one of the finest examples of modern American drama, beautifully produced on our stage in the presence of a living, breathing audience,” added Barker. ‘We simply cannot wait to welcome you back for ‘Doubt’!’ 


Earlier this year, the Playhouse announced an all-virtual 2021 season when pandemic safety concerns prevented producing a live show. Easing guidelines at federal, state, and local levels, as well as those of theatrical unions, has opened the door to live theater. As of July 28, 2021, all Playhouse visitors must provide proof of their Covid-19 vaccination to attend any performance or event at the Playhouse. In addition, all visitors, volunteers, and staff are required to wear a mask (unless part of the performance).

For updates on Covid-19 health and safety protocols at the Playhouse, please visit westportplayhouse.org/visit/covid19safety/  


The Playhouse’s 2021 season also includes two HD video productions from the Playhouse archives streaming on-demand: the musical, “Man of La Mancha” (2018), from August 23 through September 5, and John Steinbeck’s drama, “Of Mice and Men” (2008), from September 13 through 26. Both productions are directed by Mark Lamos, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. All virtual content in the Playhouse’s 2021 season will be available on demand for patrons’ convenience, with captions in both English and Spanish translation. The complete schedule of 2021 Playhouse events is listed at:  https://www.westportplayhouse.org


The 2021 season is generously supported by the Eunice and David Bigelow Foundation. 2021 season Media Sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. The production of “Doubt: A Parable” is sponsored by the Eunice and David Bigelow Foundation, and Judy and Scott Phares.


All play titles, artists, dates, and formats are subject to change.  


To purchase tickets, visit westportplayhouse.org, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

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