ATCA Cincinnati Conference

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending a regional conference in Cincinnati for the American Theatre Critics Association. It was a chance to explore the theatre scene in a new city and get to know a few of my fellow critics from around the country. 

During the three-day event attendees were able to see four plays at different locations, tour two new (or newly renovated) theatres, attend two panel discussions (one on Shakespeare and another on ethics), and enjoy learning more about the city itself. The plays included Be Here Now, a modern day world premier the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. I was also able to see Othello at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Red Velvet at the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. The two productions were a coordinated effort. One featured the original Shakespeare drama, Othello, and the other is a play about the first African American actor to ever tackle the role in 1833. Seeing them in conjunction gave an added depth to both. 

I was blown away by the vibrant theatre scene in the city. A presentation by local theatre critic Rick Pender gave an overview of each theatre and their specialties. A recent revitalization in the area has brought new life to the Over the Rhine arts district and there's now no shortage of options for restaurants and bars as well.  

One of the highlights for me was the excellent Shakespeare panel featuring Terri Bouris (general editor, The New Oxford Shakespeare), Brian Isaac Phillips (producing artistic director, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company), and Patrick Flick (executive director, Shakespeare Theatre Association). 

The entire weekend was a refreshing reminder of the huge impact local theatres have on their communities. As we heard over and over again, many of the theatres were the anchors of hope in parts of the city that were struggling. They pour money and resources into improving those areas and the result is beautiful. 

There's a "Purpose" quote on a wall in the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's new building that says the following: "We will hold the mirror up to nature, fostering empathy in our audience, and feeding the dialogue in the larger community.". If every city had an artistic community striving for the same goal, the world would be a richer place. 

I'm grateful to the ATCA (Lou Harry and Rick Pender particularly) for coordinating the event. And I'm thrilled to know more about a whole new group of theatres just two hours away. I see many weekend trips in my future and hopefully in the futures of many Indianapolis residents. 

Photos courtesy of the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.