Travel & Leisure
Thu, July 31, 2025
[ Today @ 04:32 PM ]: Good Morning America
[ Today @ 03:52 PM ]: KSNF Joplin
[ Today @ 03:12 PM ]: The Economist
[ Today @ 02:53 PM ]: Get Spanish Football News
[ Today @ 02:52 PM ]: Fox News
[ Today @ 02:32 PM ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Today @ 02:13 PM ]: Conde Nast Traveler
[ Today @ 01:54 PM ]: CNET
[ Today @ 01:52 PM ]: Forbes
[ Today @ 01:32 PM ]: The Sporting News
[ Today @ 12:53 PM ]: USA TODAY
[ Today @ 12:52 PM ]: Rock Paper Shotgun
[ Today @ 12:12 PM ]: KETV Omaha
[ Today @ 11:53 AM ]: thetimes.com
[ Today @ 11:52 AM ]: Newsweek
[ Today @ 11:33 AM ]: yahoo.com
[ Today @ 11:13 AM ]: Shacknews
[ Today @ 11:12 AM ]: Polygon
[ Today @ 10:52 AM ]: Yahoo
[ Today @ 10:32 AM ]: reuters.com
[ Today @ 10:12 AM ]: WrestlingInc.com
[ Today @ 09:34 AM ]: Euronews
[ Today @ 09:32 AM ]: reuters.com
[ Today @ 09:13 AM ]: Kiplinger
[ Today @ 09:12 AM ]: WREG articles
[ Today @ 08:52 AM ]: BBC
[ Today @ 08:32 AM ]: KOIN
[ Today @ 08:13 AM ]: People
[ Today @ 08:12 AM ]: Reason.com
[ Today @ 07:52 AM ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Today @ 06:32 AM ]: Push Square
[ Today @ 06:12 AM ]: BBC
[ Today @ 04:53 AM ]: The New Zealand Herald
[ Today @ 04:52 AM ]: WJZY
[ Today @ 04:32 AM ]: WJBK fox local articles
[ Today @ 04:13 AM ]: WPIX New York City, NY
[ Today @ 01:12 AM ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Today @ 12:52 AM ]: WTAJ Altoona
[ Today @ 12:12 AM ]: The Sporting News
Wed, July 30, 2025
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WTAJ Altoona
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Athlon Sports
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WIAT Birmingham
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WJBF Augusta
[ Yesterday Evening ]: reuters.com
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Investopedia
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WDTN Dayton
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Associated Press
[ Yesterday Evening ]: People
[ Yesterday Evening ]: NBC News
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: KELO Sioux Falls
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: TV Insider
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Travel+Leisure
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: KELO Sioux Falls
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: yahoo.com
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: The Independent US
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Patch
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: firstalert4.com
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: MassLive
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Forbes
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Sun Sentinel
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Forbes
[ Yesterday Morning ]: GOBankingRates
[ Yesterday Morning ]: RTE Online
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WISH-TV
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Independent
[ Yesterday Morning ]: reuters.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: KETV Omaha
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Kiplinger
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The New York Times
[ Yesterday Morning ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Yahoo
[ Yesterday Morning ]: CNET
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Get Belgian and Dutch Football News
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Post and Courier
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Independent
[ Yesterday Morning ]: USA TODAY
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Euronews
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WNYT NewsChannel 13
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Yesterday Morning ]: BBC
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WHNT Huntsville
[ Yesterday Morning ]: MSNBC
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Associated Press
[ Yesterday Morning ]: KMBC Kansas City
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WOWT.com
Tue, July 29, 2025
[ Last Tuesday ]: Paulick Report
[ Last Tuesday ]: Parents
[ Last Tuesday ]: Daily Cannon
[ Last Tuesday ]: WSAZ
[ Last Tuesday ]: WSYR Syracuse
[ Last Tuesday ]: GOBankingRates
[ Last Tuesday ]: Associated Press
[ Last Tuesday ]: syracuse.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: Forbes
[ Last Tuesday ]: KXAN
[ Last Tuesday ]: KELO Sioux Falls
[ Last Tuesday ]: WBTW Myrtle Beach
[ Last Tuesday ]: legit
[ Last Tuesday ]: Fox News
[ Last Tuesday ]: Southern Living
[ Last Tuesday ]: Euronews
[ Last Tuesday ]: Travel+Leisure
[ Last Tuesday ]: KETV Omaha
[ Last Tuesday ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Last Tuesday ]: Daily Record
[ Last Tuesday ]: Dog Time
[ Last Tuesday ]: London Evening Standard
[ Last Tuesday ]: The New York Times
[ Last Tuesday ]: Mandatory
[ Last Tuesday ]: Fox News
[ Last Tuesday ]: Newsweek
[ Last Tuesday ]: Daily Record
[ Last Tuesday ]: BBC
[ Last Tuesday ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: KLRT Little Rock
[ Last Tuesday ]: AFP
[ Last Tuesday ]: Reuters
[ Last Tuesday ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: reuters.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: WGHP Greensboro
[ Last Tuesday ]: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Mon, July 28, 2025
[ Last Monday ]: KDVR Denver
[ Last Monday ]: WSYR Syracuse
[ Last Monday ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Last Monday ]: KHON Honolulu
[ Last Monday ]: KRQE Albuquerque
[ Last Monday ]: Deadline
[ Last Monday ]: Men's Journal
[ Last Monday ]: Deseret News
[ Last Monday ]: LA Times
[ Last Monday ]: WrestlingInc.com
[ Last Monday ]: GEEKSPIN
[ Last Monday ]: The Daily Caller
[ Last Monday ]: Conde Nast Traveler
[ Last Monday ]: Impacts
[ Last Monday ]: KSTP-TV
[ Last Monday ]: Forbes
[ Last Monday ]: Mashable
[ Last Monday ]: Football Espana
[ Last Monday ]: USA TODAY
[ Last Monday ]: The Scotsman
[ Last Monday ]: CBS News
[ Last Monday ]: KELO Sioux Falls
[ Last Monday ]: Buccaneers Wire
[ Last Monday ]: deseret
[ Last Monday ]: Travel Daily Media
[ Last Monday ]: Cornhuskers Wire
[ Last Monday ]: DNA India
[ Last Monday ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Last Monday ]: Ravens Wire
[ Last Monday ]: Daily Express
[ Last Monday ]: BBC
[ Last Monday ]: The Chelsea News
Sun, July 27, 2025
[ Last Sunday ]: MassLive
[ Last Sunday ]: WPXI
[ Last Sunday ]: Billboard
[ Last Sunday ]: The Big Lead
[ Last Sunday ]: WKBN Youngstown
[ Last Sunday ]: Seattle Times
[ Last Sunday ]: The Telegraph
[ Last Sunday ]: NME
[ Last Sunday ]: CNN
[ Last Sunday ]: Hartford Courant
[ Last Sunday ]: Fox News
[ Last Sunday ]: Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
[ Last Sunday ]: Travel + Leisure
[ Last Sunday ]: Des Moines Register
[ Last Sunday ]: BBC
[ Last Sunday ]: Euronews
[ Last Sunday ]: Forbes
[ Last Sunday ]: Global News
[ Last Sunday ]: Post and Courier
[ Last Sunday ]: Travel+Leisure
[ Last Sunday ]: Athens Banner-Herald
[ Last Sunday ]: Patch
Irondale offers sneak peek of new public library
//travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ale-offers-sneak-peek-of-new-public-library.html
Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 21:52 GMT by WIAT Birmingham🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A few hundred people showed up for a sneak peek at the new Irondale Public Library.
Irondale Ensemble Project Unveils Sneak Peek of Innovative New Production to the Public
In the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant arts scene, the Irondale Ensemble Project has once again captured the imagination of theater enthusiasts by opening its doors for an exclusive sneak peek at its latest production. This event, held at their historic Fort Greene headquarters, marks a significant moment for the company, known for its boundary-pushing performances that blend social commentary, historical narratives, and interactive elements. The sneak peek, which drew a diverse crowd of locals, critics, and curious passersby, offered a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be one of the most ambitious works in Irondale's repertoire. As the ensemble prepares for a full premiere later this season, this public preview underscores their commitment to community engagement and accessible artistry.
Founded in 1983, the Irondale Ensemble Project has long been a staple of New York's experimental theater landscape. Housed in a converted 19th-century Sunday school building, the space itself is a character in many of their productions, with its high ceilings, exposed brick, and intimate seating fostering an atmosphere of raw, unfiltered storytelling. Over the decades, Irondale has tackled themes ranging from civil rights and environmental justice to the intricacies of human relationships, often incorporating devised theater techniques where actors and directors collaboratively build the script from improvisation and research. Their past hits, such as adaptations of classic texts infused with contemporary relevance, have earned them accolades from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and a loyal following that spans generations.
The sneak peek event, titled "Behind the Curtain: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Tales," was designed not just as a teaser but as an interactive experience. Attendees were invited to wander through rehearsal spaces, observe actors in mid-scene, and even participate in brief workshops led by the ensemble's seasoned performers. The production in question, tentatively called "Echoes of the Unheard," explores the untold stories of marginalized voices throughout American history, weaving together elements of spoken word, movement, and multimedia projections. Drawing inspiration from real-life events like the civil rights movement and indigenous land rights struggles, the show aims to challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while fostering empathy and dialogue.
One of the highlights of the evening was a live demonstration of a pivotal scene, where actors portrayed a fictional town hall meeting disrupted by historical ghosts—figures representing forgotten activists who "haunt" the proceedings to demand recognition. The ensemble's artistic director, Jim Niesen, explained during a post-preview Q&A that the piece evolved from months of community input sessions. "We didn't want this to be theater in a vacuum," Niesen said. "By inviting the public in early, we're essentially co-creating with them. Their feedback shapes the final product." Niesen, a veteran of the New York theater scene with credits including collaborations with the Public Theater, emphasized how Irondale's model differs from traditional Broadway fare. "We're not about spectacle for spectacle's sake," he noted. "Our work is rooted in ensemble building and social impact."
Attendees were treated to behind-the-scenes insights from key cast members, including lead performer Barbara Mackenzie-Wood, whose portrayal of a 19th-century suffragette brought tears to several eyes during the preview. Mackenzie-Wood, who has been with Irondale for over 15 years, shared how the role required deep dives into archival research. "It's not just memorizing lines; it's embodying the spirit of those who fought before us," she reflected. Other ensemble members, such as Michael-David Gordon and Terry Greiss, demonstrated improvisation techniques that form the backbone of the show, inviting audience members to suggest dialogue prompts and see how they influenced the scene in real-time. This participatory element is a hallmark of Irondale's style, blurring the lines between performer and spectator, and it was evident in the enthusiastic responses from the crowd.
The event also highlighted Irondale's broader mission of education and outreach. In addition to the sneak peek, the ensemble hosted a panel discussion on the role of theater in activism, featuring guest speakers from local nonprofits like the Brooklyn Community Foundation and the Center for Constitutional Rights. Panelists discussed how art can serve as a catalyst for change, citing examples from Irondale's previous works, such as their acclaimed "Color Between the Lines" series, which addressed racial inequality through interactive performances in schools and community centers. One speaker, a representative from a youth advocacy group, praised Irondale for making theater accessible: "In a city where tickets can cost hundreds, events like this democratize the arts and inspire the next generation."
Public reaction to the sneak peek was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing excitement for the full production. Sarah Jenkins, a Fort Greene resident who stumbled upon the event while walking her dog, described it as "eye-opening." "I've lived here for years and never knew about this gem," she said. "The way they incorporate history with modern issues—it's powerful." Critics in attendance, including a reviewer from a local arts blog, noted the production's potential to resonate in today's polarized climate. "Irondale is doing what theater does best: holding a mirror to society," the reviewer commented.
This sneak peek is part of Irondale's ongoing efforts to rebuild and expand post-pandemic. Like many arts organizations, the ensemble faced challenges during lockdowns, shifting to virtual performances and online workshops to stay connected with audiences. Now, with live events resuming, they're leveraging these previews to generate buzz and secure funding. Ticket sales for "Echoes of the Unheard" are already brisk, with options for pay-what-you-can nights to ensure inclusivity. The full run is scheduled to begin in late spring, with performances running through the summer at their Brooklyn venue, and potential tours to other cities under consideration.
Beyond the immediate production, the event spotlighted Irondale's educational programs, which reach thousands of students annually. Through partnerships with New York City public schools, the ensemble offers residencies where young people learn devising techniques, scriptwriting, and performance skills. One such program, "Young Ensemble," allows teens to create their own pieces, often addressing personal experiences with topics like mental health and identity. During the sneak peek, a group of high school participants showcased a short piece they developed under Irondale's guidance, earning applause and mentorship offers from the professional cast.
Irondale's commitment to sustainability was also on display, with the venue incorporating eco-friendly practices such as recycled set materials and energy-efficient lighting. Niesen mentioned that "Echoes of the Unheard" includes themes of environmental justice, tying into the ensemble's belief that art must address the climate crisis. "We're not just telling stories; we're urging action," he said.
As the evening wound down, attendees mingled over light refreshments, sharing thoughts on what they'd witnessed. The sense of community was palpable, a testament to Irondale's ethos of theater as a communal ritual. For those who missed the sneak peek, the ensemble encourages signing up for their newsletter for future events, including open rehearsals and talkbacks. In an era where digital media dominates, Irondale's tactile, immersive approach reminds us of theater's enduring power to connect and provoke.
This public preview not only builds anticipation for "Echoes of the Unheard" but also reaffirms Irondale's role as a vital force in Brooklyn's cultural fabric. By opening their process to the public, they're inviting everyone to be part of the story—literally and figuratively. As Niesen aptly put it, "Theater isn't complete without an audience. This sneak peek is our way of saying, 'Join us.'" With its blend of innovation, inclusivity, and introspection, Irondale continues to prove that the stage is a place for both reflection and revolution.
(Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full WIAT Birmingham Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/irondale-offers-sneak-peek-public-221219836.html ]