MIAMI, Fla. (Aug. 14,
2002) – One year after the tragic events of Sept.
11, alumni at Florida International University and some of South
Florida’s best-known community leaders will stage an evening
of original performance pieces drawn entirely on events surrounding
the terrorist attacks, the ensuing war and experiences of those
affected by both.
GZNY 2001: a tribute will take place at 8 p.m. at the Biltmore
Hotel in Coral Gables. The evening’s event is inspired
by a similar production staged by FIU Theater Professor Phillip
M. Church and his students last December, three months after
the attacks.
The new incarnation of the production will include appearances
by Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, reporter/anchor Lisa Petrillo
from CBS affiliate WFOR – 4, Miami Police Department spokesman
Lt. Bill Schwartz, Coral Gables firefighter Capt. Dan Thornhill,
Miami-Dade County’s Teacher of the Year Anita Meinbach,
Ponce de Leon Middle School teacher of photography Tim Crowther,
Engine Lt. With the Miami-Dade Fire Department George Izquierdo
and others. The 22-voice FIU Concert Choir under the director
of John Augenblick will also perform. Edward Rozinsky will choreograph.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Church and students in his “Introduction
to Theater for Majors” class decided to scrap the syllabus
that was to guide the course and in its place to create a theatrical
production drawn from the drama of the conflict. The result,
says Church, was a “very moving, very powerful,”
45-sequence show that combined monologues, interpretive dance
and performance art.
“Even with students just sitting at their desks and reading
their pieces for the first time, it was extraordinary.
Students were in tears,” said Church. “It’s
not what the characters were saying, per se, it’s that
we were all collectively reliving the experience. And there
isn’t an audience in this country that would not connect
with this.”
Now, one year later on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the experience will
be relived and a new audience will be able to reflect on the
events of the past year and commemorate the lives lost. Church
has vowed to host the event each year bringing new participants
and different perspectives to the table. In the future, he hopes
to take his performance to the European stage.
Admission to the event is free, but seating is available through
reservation only. Donations will be accepted at the door. All
funds raised will benefit a Summer High School Production scholarship
campaign to enable high school juniors and seniors to participate
in a new five-week summer study course at FIU aimed at developing
community-conscious theater. Students will be selected from
various Miami-Dade County high schools and will create original
theater work based on topical community oriented themes. Students
will earn college credit, and the product of the study program
will be shared with the community.
For more information or to reserve a seat, call 305-348-3358.