Live Performance Will Give Insights Into Homelessness
On August 10th, colorful characters with names like Maggie Chaos and Mr. Mayhem will take the stage at the Target Field Station amphitheater in a free, live performance of Second Chance.
It’s an original play from the zAmya Theater Project, performed by people who have personal connections to homelessness.
“Expect a theatrical experience that will share truth and perspective on a variety of circumstances that people are in–or have been in–related to housing and homelessness,” said zAmya artistic director Maren Ward.
The North Loop Neighborhood Association collaborated with Avivo Village in helping bring this performance to the neighborhood. “We believe it is our responsibility as a neighborhood association to provide opportunities for our neighbors to become informed and connected with the less fortunate in our neighborhood,” wrote NLNA president Diane Merrifield in supporting a city grant for the project.
The play centers on a Council of Second Chances and the various people who come before the council to plead their cases.
“The dominant question is sort of, ‘do you deserve my support?’ said Ward. “For some reason, we have that lens on ourselves, like ‘should I give this person a dollar or not? Do they deserve it? Are they on drugs?’ It’s kind of like taking that perspective and trying to show what it feels like for somebody to be asked that question when they’re going through a hard time.”
The 7:00 pm performance is free and walk-ups are welcome, although zAmya is encouraging people to register in advance so they get an indication of how many people may show up.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer