Judy Dworin Performance Project
Moving for Change Since 1989.
As we continue to confront COVID-19 and embrace the anti-racism call to action spurred by the terrible death of George Floyd, Judy Dworin Performance Project (JDPP) is committed internally and externally to use the arts in fresh ways to express and communicate both what has been, and a responsive vision of what can be. As we continue to find new ways to reach out to our program participants and the larger community, we do so knowing that the power of the arts keeps us grounded, connected and resilient. Through our social media platforms, we are providing arts activities and participatory viewing experiences that release the imagination, bring further awareness to critical issues, and encourage thoughtful and healing participation. We do this celebrating the dignity of all, the wisdom of the body, the deep reflective capacity of the mind and the belief that the arts are key in supporting our wellbeing. We continue to deeply re-examine and reimagine knowing that in our dimmest moments the arts provide light, inspiration and hope. We are now and always...Moving with and for Change. Join us!!
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Response and a Call Being Seen: Performing Black and White...LIVE NOW!
Great job ladies. Daring and Endearing. Two things that don’t always find themselves at the same dinner table (I liked that one). Tay did you have to bring up my Motown singing!!
Inspirational!
XOXO
For those of you watching feel free to type any questions or comments here and they will be shared with the performers in a talk-back at the end.
Ballet Speaks: Against Domestic Violence is a ballet performance honoring domestic violence victims and survivors through the art of dance.
Don't miss this beautiful and important evening of dance and awareness!
Today on Story Time we are reading You Name is a Song by Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow! Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.
Today on Story Time we are reading You Name is a Song by Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow! Join us at 3!
Last month we introduced you to Daniel Birch Music, who will be composing the music for JDPP's newest work ColorFields! Today, hear from Daniel himself as he describes his process on creating music with JDPP!
The music heard in this video is Spanish Guitar and Voice on Microcassette by Daniel Birch.
Congratulations to Victoria Steele for being added to Community Partners in Action's Board! Victoria has been a longtime guest performer with JDPP!We’re pleased to announce Vicky Steele as a new Board Member of CPA. Vicky brings a range of experience to our mission and work, including as a previous CPA Peer Mentor, as a Mental Health Assistant at Connecticut Valley Hospital, and as an Outreach Recovery Coach, not to mention a range of certifications and trainings. Please join us in welcoming Vicky!
Omg congratulations!!! The perfect person for the job!! So proud of you Victoria Steele ❤️
Congratulations Vickie!! You are a true inspiration!!🙏✨💕
Yesssssss Victoria Steele so very proud of you 🙏🏽❤️🥰💪🏽💯
Last month we introduced you to Daniel Birch Music, who will be composing the music for JDPP's newest work ColorFields! Today, hear from Daniel himself as he describes his process on creating music with JDPP!
The music heard in this video is Spanish Guitar and Voice on Microcassette by Daniel Birch.
Today we are continuing with books honoring Black History Month! A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. 'Black is a Rainbow Color' was written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes,.
Join us Friday, 2/26 for the third installment in our 'Response and a Call' series! This event is free but please visit give.judydworin.org/BeingSeen to register.
As part of their Black History Month Celebration, The Amistad Center for Art & Culture collaborated with JDPP to present the following performance of Dark Skin Like Night Fall. <3
The Amistad Center for Art & Culture
In celebration of Black History Month, The Amistad Center presents Dark Skin Like Nightfall in collaboration with the Judy Dworin Performance Project.
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Dark Skin Like Night Fall was written by Shaquima Dozier when she was a program participant in JDPP's performance residency at York Correctional Institution in Niantic, CT. She now lives in CT with her three children. The following is a conversation with Shaquima about the creation, performance, and evolution of the poem.
Inspired by Shaquima’s words, in 2019, JDPP Ensemble member Raechel Manga developed choreography under the direction of Judy Dworin joined by JDPP Ensemble member Mellissa Craig speaking the text. The piece premiered at Hartford Stage in December 2019 in an evening celebrating JDPP’s 30th anniversary titled She Speaks Her Peace”. The accompanying music is "With Rainy Eyes" by Emancipator.
Today we will be reading Hope by Isabel Monk. A beautiful story about a young girl and a visit with her great-aunt. During which she learns the story behind her name and learns to feel proud of her biracial heritage.
Join us at 3 for Story Time! Today we will be reading Hope by Isabel Monk. A beautiful story about a young girl and a visit with her great-aunt. During which she learns the story behind her name and learns to feel proud of her biracial heritage
Congratulations to Deb Rogala! It is always a pleasure to work with Deb and we look forward to our continued partnership with her and CPA!We are thrilled to announce that Deborah Rogala, LCSW, has been named the Director of Operations. For over 25 years, she has worked at CPA directly with women and men returning to the community from prison. She also led the organization's expansion into therapeutic residential services for adolescent boys in the CT Juvenile Justice System. In this new position for our agency, Deb and her team of Program Operations Directors will oversee CPA’s 12 adult and juvenile programs throughout Connecticut. Please join us in congratulating Deb!
Say hello to Daniel Birch! He will be composing music for JDPP's ColorFields. Learn a little more about Daniel and enjoy this clip of his music.
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will be sharing his story today during story time! Join us at 3:00 p.m.!
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will be sharing his story today during story time! Join us at 3:00 p.m.!
As we look at our country, at its huge divides, at the unconscionable trespass that occurred last Wednesday and the warnings of more to come, how can we open our hearts and minds to a different reality?
During this crisis in our country, in the midst of a pandemic that continues to wreak havoc, feeling fear, anger, grief and disbelief, it is very hard to conceive of compassion-- of bridging the divides that confront us so starkly. Ultimately, compassion will be our task at hand if we are ever to unify and work for the vision of a country that is just and treats all of its citizens equally-- a place that we are proud to call our home.
As we move toward a Monday honoring the incredible legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., let us remember his words throughout this weekend, next week and onward,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
(from his book Strength to Love)
"We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.”
(from his address Where do We Go from Here)
Let’s be audacious in our faith in the future and keep hope lit brilliantly in our hearts and minds.
Join New Britain Museum of American Art for a week of virtual programming celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his message of 'The Power of Love'. Use this link to register for these free events: nbmaa.org/events
The series of event's are being presented by NBMAA's Community Advisory Group, JDPP's Programming Coordinator and New Britain resident, Suzi Jensen is proud to be part this fantastic group!
Suzi reads "The Snowy Day"! Today we will be reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. This story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
Join us today at 3 for story time! Today we will be reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. This story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
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Judy Dworin Performance Project, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization.
J. Walton Bissell Foundation, Inc. 
Digel Family Foundation Ensworth Charitable Foundation 
Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust through Trinity College 
Isabella's Pink Bus George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation 
Sharon R. O’Meara Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Stewart B. McKinney Foundation 
Charles Nelson Robinson Fund 
Watkinson Prisoners Aid Society Sponsors: BlumShapiro Budwitz & Meyerjack P.C. Hardman Law Offices GeoQuest, Inc. Roger’s Fine Liquors Yankee Discount Liquor … and a huge THANK YOU to the many Friends who have supported JDPP over the years!