LOOKING FORWARD: THE FUTURE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN L.A.

INTERVIEW: caryn desai

Artistic Director of International City Theatre

BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO

Now almost a year into the ongoing pandemic our fond memories of live entertainment seem to be waning—and too much so for my liking. Just like that rare blue moon we saw this Halloween, the ancient ritual of live theatre is now deemed rare and magical—an artifact of the “before times”. Even so, if we take a moment and tune out the din of social media, the news, our own inner anxieties and frustrations, I know we can recall, maybe even find hope in, our memories from the “before times”. The feeling of eagerly sitting in a full theatre as the lights begin to dim. The sound of an orchestra tuning moments before they play a majestic downbeat. The smell of popcorn wafting around a movie theatre like tasty electricity. The restless anticipation of waiting in the wings before making your first entrance on stage. The sound of applause that roars in a venue like thunder that means no harm. You see these memories are not dreams—they were real. And whenever these memories start to get fuzzy all we need to do is take the time to summon them, thus reminding ourselves that they will return. 

In the spirit of looking forward, what’s next for live entertainment? Broadway has announced its return for June 2021—well what about L.A. and the rest of the world? When will we be able to appreciate the performing arts in person again? That date remains to be seen. Accordingly, what have performing arts organization been doing since the shutdown? How has this impacted them both now and in the future? In the next couple of weeks, I will be publishing interviews with artistic directors of various performing arts organizations in L.A. and they will answer these questions and many more. In this Tin Pan L.A. exclusive caryn desai, artistic director/producer of International City Theatre, tells us about the future of theatre for her organization and the steps they are taking to keep it alive.  

What was your fondest memory of live theatre by your organization before the pandemic?

The fondest memory is coming together with our audiences to hear stories that help us better understand our world and each other. We could not have guessed what was around the corner for us in March after completing the opening production for our 35^thAnniversary in February 2020 [The Andrews Brothers].  We all have taken so much for granted – gathering under one roof for shared experiences in the theatre, seeing family, and even going to work!  

Once theatre is allowed to open how will the idea/notion of physical distancing have an impact on your future seasons (programming, scale etc.)? 

 International City Theatre put a social distancing plan together immediately in March, 2020 and waited for the government approval.  We are still waiting.  Because we perform in a larger theatre and usually curtain off the number of seats we can use per our union contract, we are able to provide distance by skipping rows and seats.  We won’t have as many seats to sell as our contract allows, but it’s enough to continue producing live theatre for the time being.  

How has the COVID pandemic impacted your organization and its current programming?

International City Theatre works on a calendar year so most of our 2020 season has been cancelled. Two shows were moved to 2021, one was moved to 2022.  We opened with the first show and we are currently streaming on demand, DAISY, a California Premiere about the first negative televised political ad.  We finally conceded that we couldn’t do this show on stage but the message is so important in this political year that we did it on Zoom.  The response has been wonderful.  We also produce six education programs.  Our Summer Conservatory for children went online in two sessions with training in acting and playwriting.  Our third grade school program was revamped for a virtual platform and we are now waiting for the school district readiness to implement this 19-year old program in a new way.  Other program are on hold.

How can audience communities best support its theatre companies during and after this pandemic?

ICT has been blessed by the continued support of many patrons through contributions, donating tickets or donating tickets to our education programs, or taking a credit towards next season.  Yes, some patrons asked for refunds and that’s their right and they know what they need.  For those who appreciate and value what live professional theatre provides and who can afford to do so, donations keep us going as earned revenue has taken a big hit. It keeps staff and teachers employed and as a professional theatre, it keeps artists employed even if on a virtual platform.  Once the pandemic is over, we will celebrate coming together and won’t ever take it for granted again!

What does your current/upcoming season look like? How has it been impacted by the ongoing pandemic?

As ICT works on a calendar year, 2020 has been decimated.  We have announced for 2021 our season of Family, Friends, Food and Fun! The shows include BLUES IN THE NIGHT, SLOW FOOD, THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, CLOSELY RELATED KEYS and ART. Given that we are due to open February 2021, I am rethinking the order of the shows for next year.  I am looking at putting smaller shows up first should we not yet have the go ahead to open the theatre in February – or even April for the second show.  We will then hope to obtain the streaming rights to share these stories on a virtual platform.  It is not ideal or our first choice, but it is one way to stay viable, connected and alive!

What kind of changes in theatre making and business do you feel need to happen in Los Angeles given both the political climate and the ongoing pandemic? 

We must understand and value what theatre does for society.  Theatre supports a more educated and more harmonious society.  It feeds our spirit.  It feeds our souls.  We must educate our nation, our leaders and our communities if we want government and our communities to support what we do.  Theatre reflects our stories live on stage.  Theatre can change lives.  John F. Kennedy said: “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” We must find a way to bring people together for understanding and we must listen in order to understand.  Then we can move forward as a nation.

What does the notion of equitable theatre mean to your organization? How is this idea reflected in your organization’s mission or programing? 

International City Theatre has always produced diverse works that tell stories by or about people of color, stories of different gender orientations, stories from various parts of the world, stories that reflect various perspectives about relevant issues to the world in which we live.  We have been doing this for 35 years.  We also produce six education programs for every age and demographic from 4 to 104 to train, educate and provide access to live theatre.  We form community partnerships to raise money for college scholarships and bring youth to the theatre.  Equity, diversity and access have always been a critical focus as we strive to serve everyone in this region.

INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE

LONG BEACH, CA

UPCOMING: DAISY– A CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

STREAMING DATES: October 24 – November 7, 2020

STREAMING TICKET: $20

BOX OFFICE: (562) 436-4610

www.ictlongbeach.org

OTHER LOOKING FORWARDINTERVIEWS:

Armina LaManna, Founding Artistic Director Imagine Theatre

 Doug Haverty, Artistic Director of The Group Rep