Grace

I went to see Rising Circle's workshop production of 'Grace' this past weekend. Over the last few months I found myself making less of an effort to go support friends' work, and trust me, there's a LOT to go support - not for any particular reason, but just because there's a lot going on and there comes a time to prioritize. But I am now consciously changing this pattern and am SO happy that I am able to go see some amazing, creative, thought-provoking, moving material.

I like going to the theater with a blank slate, and I did the same with Grace. All I knew was that it had something to do with the Congo and it was a work in progress. What I found out blew me away. Firstly, this was a collaboration with NYU's Studio Tisch which is a program for NYU alums - The program provides FREE rehearsal space along with one of their theaters for their performances, and 60% of the artistic team has to be NYU Alumni. Its such a great opportunity, and can I just say that Rising Circle took full advantage of this and put up what I thought was comparable to a very professional show. The company strives to create work for multi-cultural artists, and most of their work seems to be grounded in real life experiences and true stories. Grace is a simple and beautiful story about the refugee experience in the Congo. The performances were very generous and moving, and at the end of it we were all served wine in the intimate Walker Theater!!!

I walked out of there inspired and moved and full of questions. Part of me still wants to shout from every high-rise in this city - ALL YOU NYU ALUMS, RUN TO STUDIO TISCH AND TAKE THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!!!

-- Farah Bala