Theatre Palisades Kicks Off Virtual Video Series

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Though things have not been business as usual at Pierson Playhouse, Theatre Palisades is looking for ways to get in touch with audience members in the community and beyond during a crucial moment in history through a newly launched video series.

“As the pandemic marches on and our theatre community, as well as the larger community of humans, simultaneously experiences an awakening and calls to action around the issues of racial discriminations,” read a post on social media, “many of us at Theatre Palisades are looking for ways to engage with difficult questions and with our audience.”

Coming off a successful run of “Steel Magnolias,” Theatre Palisades was busy preparing for opening night of Frederick Knott’s “Wait Until Dark” when Stay at Home orders went into place, forcing the organization to postpone performances.

As time went on, it became clear that 2020 would not be returning to “normal” anytime soon, and Theatre Palisades was forced to postpone the remainder of its season, including “A Comedy of Tenors,” “Harvey” and “Nunsense.”

According to the social media post, the theatre was looking to use its art form to “bring forward even more voices and faces of people of color”—and to accomplish this in a time when in-person connection in the theatre is not possible.

“Of course, this leads us to video,” the post continued. “Theatre Palisades is taking on creating and sharing personal monologues via video. The themes range across a broad spectrum from deeply vulnerable life stories to reminiscences about Theatre Palisades experiences, to playful comedies, parodies and songs.”

Though Theatre Palisades Producer Martha Hunter explained that they are still nailing down a schedule for the videos to release, the series began with a monologue by Mariel Suarez, who played Amalia Balash in Theatre Palisades’ “Parfumerie,” titled “Burnt Cake.”

“We are hopeful that these videos will be thought-provoking, entertaining and informative,” the post concluded, “and will keep us in connection with you, our beloved community.”

Theatre Palisades is also accepting donations through PayPal. For more information or a link to the theatre’s YouTube page to see the videos, visit theatrepalisades.com.