1362511350_Two%20Trains%20Running%20Special%20Events%20press%20release

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 CONTACT: Kelundra Smith, Public Relations Manager 315-443-8603 or kdsmit04@syr.edu

Special events at Syracuse Stage explore local history, culture and cuisine (Syracuse, NY)— Syracuse Stage will be hosting a series of events during the run of August Wilson's Two Trains Running, opening Friday, February 1. An exhibit, post-show discussion and spoken word performances offer a closer look into the politics of the play and connect to Syracuse’s history and culture.

The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) created a seven panel historical exhibit, Images of the 15th Ward in Syracuse, on display in the theatre lobby during the run of the play. The exhibit showcases photographs of Syracuse in the 1960s, drawing parallels to the history and politics of Pittsburgh, the setting of Two Trains Running. The images show the local urban renewal efforts of the 1960s to demolish Syracuse’s predominantly black 15th Ward.

These topics and more will be explored on Sunday, February 3, when guest panelists from the Syracuse community gather for a discussion after the 2 p.m. matinee performance. Moderated

by Syracuse University professor Paula Johnson, "August Wilson's Women: Wives, Mothers & Children of Incarcerated Black Men" will discuss themes introduced in Two Trains Running with panelists Helen Hudson (Mothers Against Gun Violence/United Way), Vincent Love (100 Black Men of Syracuse) and Omanii Abdullah (Jail Ministry).

Syracuse Stage's Happy Hour series continues on Thursday, February 7 from 6—7:30 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion. Listen to spoken word performances from Underground Poetry Spot while enjoying half-price drinks and complimentary appetizers provided by Juanita's Soul Classics.

August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, directed by Timothy Bond, performs January 30— February 17 in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage (820 East Genesee Street). Tickets are $30-$51 for adults and $18 for age 18 and under, are available at the Syracuse Stage Box Office, 315-443-3275 or www.SyracuseStage.org.

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LOBBY EXHIBITS Images of the 15th Ward in Syracuse In partnership with the Onondaga Historical Association The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) produced a panel exhibit exploring the primarily Black neighborhood of Syracuse in the 1960s.

Images of Freedom In partnership with Community Folk Art Center’s Creative Arts Academy Students from the Community Folk Art Center's Creative Arts Academy display their paintings of freedom in the context of the Civil Rights Movement.

EVENTS Live in the Sutton Series - FRI, Feb. 1 Live music by The Bill Horrace Band in the Sutton Pavilion after the 8 p.m. opening night performance.

Prologue Free pre-show talk led by members of the cast. One hour prior to curtain.

SUN, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion SAT, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion THURS, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion Post-Show Panel Discussion – SUN, Feb. 3 after the 2 p.m. matinee performance Stay after the show to engage in the discussion "August Wilson’s Women: Wives, Mothers & Children of Incarcerated Black Men" with panelists from the Syracuse community.

Wednesday @ 1 Lecture Series - WED, Feb. 6 Pre-show lecture before the 2 p.m. matinee by Professor Horace Campbell on “Cultural and Political Power of African Americans: Then and Now,” in the Sutton Pavilion.

Happy Hour - THURS, Feb. 7 from 6-7:15 p.m.

Half-price drinks and complimentary appetizers from Juanita’s Soul Classics in the Sutton Pavilion, with spoken word performances by Underground Poetry Spot.

Signature Drink: Loose Caboose (Vodka, Cranberry juice, Lemon juice, Grenadine).

Actor Talkback Series - SUN, Feb. 10 Meet the actors after the 7 p.m. performance ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE Syracuse Stage is Central New York’s premier professional theatre. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 290 plays in 39 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 90,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays and bold interpretations of classics and musicals featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves over 30,000

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students from 24 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.

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Syracuse Stage I Producing Artistic Director: Timothy Bond I Managing Director: Jeffrey Woodward 820 E. Genesee St. I Main: 315-443-4008 I Box Office: 315-443-3275 I www.SyracuseStage.org

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