PRESENTS
237 Virginia Avenue
a new play by
DAVID MYERS
directed by
NICK CHASE & PESHA RUDNICK^
***
May 2-19, 2024
The Savoy | Denver CO
237 Virginia Avenue is generously sponsored by Diana & Mike Kinsey
A Message from Playwright David Myers
In high school, we spent some time studying American slavery. One of my fellow students provocatively asked the teacher: “Why should we learn any of this history? What good does it do us to look at each other and wonder what our roles would have been? Isn’t the whole point to move on?”
The teacher’s response was part of what guided me in writing this play. She said that if you want to understand why people live where they do, why people talk to each other the way they do — if you want to understand what’s happening in the hearts and minds of the people around you — history, with all its blood and guts, is a good place to start.
My teacher framed history as a gift. Knowing the past is an act of generosity to the present. And a way to understand what forces will shape the future.
237 Virginia Avenue is set almost entirely on one piece of land over 400 years. I tried to put the world onstage as I increasingly see it: a place constantly ping-ponging back and forth between ancient and contemporary moments; with smart people in the past and the present wrestling with the best way forward.
Thank you for coming to see. I hope you will enjoy!
COME TOGETHER EVENTS
College Night and Q&A with playwright David Myers | Thursday, May 2
Join the Local team for the opportunity to enjoy a performance of 237 Virginia Avenue at a discounted rate with fellow classmates & theater makers—followed by a Q&A with playwright David Myers.
Pay-What-You-Will Performance | Sunday, May 5
Enjoy a performance of 237 Virginia Avenue on your terms where you set the price for this unforgettable world premiere play.
Co-Buy Curious: Introduction to Co-Buying Real Estate | Sunday, May 5
Join the LiveWork Denver team for an overview on the how-to's of co-buying real estate, forms of co-ownership, and financing models for community housing and shared ownership. (Please RSVP using the link below)
Post Show Conversation on Gentrification with brother jeff | Sunday, May 12
Stick around while brother jeff leads a compelling post-show conversation, delving into the complex topic of how gentrification impacts our communities and accessibility to home ownership.
OUT Night | Thursday, May 16
Local invites you to celebrate diversity and inclusion at OUT night, where we enjoy a performance of 237 Virginia Avenue in the presence of our LGBTQ+ friends, family and allies.
Post Show Community Meal | Friday, May 17
Local welcomes you to gather for a delightful Community Meal after a performance of 237 Virginia Avenue, where you can engage in meaningful conversations with fellow patrons over delicious food and thought-provoking prompts.
Special Thanks
BackStory Theatre
Cipriano Ortega
CU Boulder Theatre & Dance
CSU Theatre & Dance
Curious Theatre Company
Andrew Lindeman
Shea Martin & Nick Chase
MSU Theater & Dance
The Savoy
David Raduziner & Diana Verrilli
Soo Rhee & Nate Fristoe
*Appearing through an Agreement between Local Theater Company and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
THE SAVOY | DENVER
Land Acknowledgement
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world that contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some of the people from the history of this spot were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
Local Theater Company acknowledges, with deep respect, that we are located on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations and Peoples. We pay respect to their elders both past and present. We ask that you consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration and settlement that bring us here today.
