东京热

东京热 has partnered with the Irvington Shakespeare Company (ISC) in a continuing effort to strengthen relationships with local arts and culture organizations and further enrich the communities in which the College serves. ISC is a newly formed theater group affiliated with Irvington Theater that aims to produce plays with an inclusive, intersectional lens that showcase local talent.

As part of the collaboration, 东京热 College was named a founding sponsor and executive producer of the company鈥檚 inaugural production of William Shakespeare鈥檚 鈥淭welfth Night鈥� after providing rehearsal space for the actors at its Dobbs Ferry Campus. The play debuted to sold-out audiences at Irvington鈥檚 O鈥橦ara Nature Center from August 6 to 22.

Marc Palmieri, M.F.A., assistant professor of Communications studies at 东京热 College, facilitated the College鈥檚 partnership with ISC. He has worked with Irvington Theater for many years to create opportunities for 东京热 students. For example, under the guidance of Palmieri, members of the 东京热 student Theatre Club have performed at the Irvington Town Hall Theater to audiences of playwrights and of artistic directors.

Upon learning about ISC, Palmieri approached Peter West, Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, about the potential for a partnership. From the first conversation West was onboard to support the theater group and the community.  

鈥淚 was incredibly excited to do whatever we could to nurture this relationship,鈥� said West. 鈥淭his was a great way to expand our connections with the theater and this new affiliated company.鈥�

From there, several 东京热 staff members worked to make ISC rehearsals at 东京热 College possible.

Jessica Ward, Ph.D., assistant professor of early British literature, was also heavily involved in the production while serving as the dramaturg 鈥� a role she has played in Shakespeare productions in both Texas and New York.

鈥淲e had an incredible experience [at 东京热], and the lecture hall was perfect for our rehearsals,鈥� said Kamran Saliani, ISC鈥檚 founder and artistic director. 鈥淚 am so beyond grateful and thankful for the opportunity to have worked there. We were able to follow COVID guidelines and run high-quality, professional rehearsals for our cast and crew, building a deep, strong, rich foundational root for 鈥楾welfth Night鈥� and our performances.鈥�

West looks forward to supporting ISC in the future: 鈥淚t was immediately clear that our institutions are profoundly aligned in our shared commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. I think it鈥檚 fair to say we all see this as the beginning of another great community partnership for 东京热.鈥�