Happy 2024 Readers!
As the new year dawns, we all get a chance to step back and evaluate life, work, art, and how each of us fit into this divine tapestry we call home. The empires of the past are best remembered for their sport. This is something we as people have carried along with us through time, as if the pride of competition has been ingrained in the very fiber of our being. But equally as ancient, and perhaps less acknowledged, is the timeless art of performance. Whether it be in your career, for those you love, or on the stage and screen, humans ache to perform. Some crave to present the best version of themselves, and others crave an escape from their given flesh. I believe that those who choose to perform for the sheer enjoyment of the craft and for the sacrificial want to create an escape for others who need it, are among the most benevolent of our time.
It has always been vital to keep tradition alive and live performance is a part of our rich history. There are many in your own city striving to not only keep the theatre alive, but to improve upon it!
Center for the Arts is a staple of our city and continues to push their performers to new heights with every dance, song, and heartfelt monologue that graces their stage. Through adversity they have continued to rise from the ashes and come together for the common love of theatre.
Murfreesboro Little Theatre has gifted us with the richness of performing from the heart since they were founded in 1962. Many in our community think them the grandfather of our currently booming theatrical circle. Their partnerships with local artists, nonprofits, and charitable organizations is inspiring and tells of their genuine heart for the community.
Radical Arts has created a safe space for individuals who felt they had no one to turn to. Their approach to inclusivity has been an encouragement to many and noted by all.
Bravo Boro has raised the bar for independent theatres across Middle TN. Their classic and passionate approach to live performance has stoked the fire of inspiration for performers and tech workers alike.
Consider This Theatre has been a stronghold staple for local actors and has shown growth over the past four years. Their consistent resilience and stability through pandemics, wars, and local hardships does not go unnoticed. Their generosity and communal spirit has given hope and fuel to smaller theatres around them, and we could not be more thankful.
Ghost Light Studio has provided a valuable underdog story through its two co-founders, as they started with nothing and have made their way to a recognized part of the theatrical community. Their clear purpose to bring back the art of performance after COVID-19 was nothing short of authentic and inspiring.
I have mentioned just a few of the local theatres of Middle TN. Others groups, such as Springhouse Theatre, Cannon County Center for the Arts, Boro Tellers, and AcTEENg are all working hard to give the gift of joy, laughter, tears, and escape from the monotony of everyday life to their local communities.
This year, I encourage you to put down your phones, let go of worry, and support those who work to breathe life into our communities while keeping an ancient art alive. Get yourself some tickets to the theatre… and LIVE!
It has been an honor to share our Middle TN theatre news with you for the past two years, but just as art evolves, our lives do as well. I am humbled to announce that my life is currently changing seasons and with that, I bring my work as theatre interest group leader and local theatre blog writer to a close.
This is Poem Bokoles, signing off,
“Inside this little world they had taken pains
to put all the things you might think they would want to escape from —
hatred, fear, tyranny, and so forth.
Death was intrigued.
They thought they wanted to be taken out of themselves,
and every art humans dreamt up took them further in.
He was fascinated.”
Terry Pratchett, Wyrd Sisters
To keep up to date on any and all artistic happenings of Middle TN, follow the Rutherford Arts Alliance on Facebook: rucoartstn OR visit our website: Rutherford Arts Alliance.
Banner image credit: unsplash.com/@kyleunderscorehead
