| SheNYC Arts Forced Out of Theater Over Reproductive Rights Content | |
| Posted by: Official_Press_Release 01:00 pm EDT 10/22/24 | |
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| SheNYC Arts Forced to Seek New Home After Theater Imposes Restrictive Content Rules, Denying Space to Shows About Reproductive Rights NEW YORK - After eight years of producing theater by women, trans, and nonbinary writers at the historic Connelly Theater, SheNYC Arts is unexpectedly seeking a new home for its productions after the theater has told them shows about reproductive rights and gender equity are not allowed on the stage going forward. This change comes as a result of shifting leadership at the Archdiocese of New York, which owns the building that the Connelly Theater is a part of, and who has now imposed strict content guidelines. The new leadership has directed the theater to deny the space to any shows or companies that would be seen as inappropriate by the Catholic Church. This includes shows about reproductive rights, trans characters, and gender issues, SheNYC Arts has been told. The priest in charge of the jurisdiction is personally screening scripts to ensure they fit within strictly Catholic doctrines. "The Archdiocese has specifically called out our past shows at the Connelly Theater, calling them ‘inappropriate' for discussing issues like reproductive rights and gender and making it clear to us that shows like that will not be allowed in the future," said Danielle DeMatteo, Artistic Director of SheNYC Arts. "Especially just a few weeks before our election that could determine the future of our rights, this is a truly shocking development." "We're deeply saddened to leave the Connelly, which has been our home for nearly a decade. However, we cannot compromise on our commitment to showcasing diverse voices and telling stories that center gender equity and freedom. Therefore, we've been told by the theater that we should not seek to renew our contract with the Connelly Theater for 2025. We're now turning to the community we've built to help us find a new home where our artists can continue to thrive," she continued. As an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented artists with a specific focus on gender issues, SheNYC Arts has consistently pushed boundaries and sparked important conversations through its productions. SheNYC believes strongly in the power of theater to challenge and inspire audiences, and to spark needed change in the world around us. Therefore, SheNYC Arts is actively seeking a new venue to host its annual two-week SheNYC Summer Theater Festival, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025. This past summer alone saw 2,000 attendees gather to experience the power of inclusive storytelling in New York City. SheNYC's nationwide programming has welcomed over 35,000 audience members since its founding, introducing audiences to the best up-and-coming writers in the industry. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, it is seeking both a physical space to call home and financial support from those who believe in its mission. "This is a challenging time, but also an opportunity for growth and rebirth," DeMatteo said. "We're grateful for the outpouring of support we've already received and invite anyone who shares our passion for inclusive theater to join us on this journey." Those interested in supporting SheNYC Arts can visit shenycarts.org to learn about donation and sponsorship opportunities. The organization is also open to connections that could lead to a new venue for its 2025 festival. SheNYC Arts remains committed to its founding principles of equity, inclusion, and artistic freedom. As it navigates this transition, the organization is inspired by the resilience of the theater community and the power of inclusive, original storytelling. About SheNYC Arts SheNYC Arts is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization devoted to fighting for gender equity in the entertainment industry. Founded in 2015, SheNYC Arts has since become the premier incubator for the best up-and-coming talent in the entertainment industry nationwide. SheNYC produces Summer Theater Festivals in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth annually, as well as CreateHER, a semester-long program for high school students interested in careers as playwrights and producers. New Pages, SheNYC's licensing and publishing wing, makes the scripts that have been through our programs available for licensing across the country. Through additional educational and community engagement programs, including The Broadway Women's Alliance, SheNYC aims to make the theater industry a better place for all people. Learn more at www.SheNYCArts.org. |
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