Unique
Production Supports InnVision’s Programs for Homeless Women
WHAT:
Without Walls tells the stories of seven women, currently homeless,
through the use of original music, photography, movement and humor
designed to illustrate and eliminate public stereotypes of homeless
people.
WHEN:
Saturday, May 27, 2000
Presentation begins at 8:00 pm
WHERE:
The Harker School in San Jose
Features
Famous Improvisational Jazz Vocalist Rhiannon!!!
A
community of Silicon Valley individuals, volunteers and companies
today announced an original theatrical production designed to
breakdown society’s stereotypes of homeless people titled
"Without Walls." Featuring musical performances from
Rhiannon, a famous improvisational jazz vocalist currently touring
with Bobby McFerrin in Voicestra and original music performed
by keyboardist Lane Yago, Without Walls tells the stories of seven
women, currently homeless, through the use of original music,
photography, movement and humor designed to illustrate and eliminate
public stereotypes of homeless people. All proceeds from Without
Walls, taking place Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. at The Harker School,
located at 500 Saratoga Avenue will be donated to InnVision, the
leading Silicon Valley nonprofit organization whose programs help
homeless families and individuals improve their lives. Conceptualized
by executive producer Carmen McKay, Without Walls was written,
directed and produced by theater professionals who have donated
their time and expertise to this unique production. The production
has received endorsements from local and state government officials
including the Honorable John Vasconcellos, California State Senator,
and former San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer.
"Without
Walls will educate and benefit the public by breaking down misguided
stereotypes surrounding homelessness," stated the Honorable
John Vasconcellos, California State Senator, 13th District. "InnVision
has provided critical shelter and services to those in need in
the Silicon Valley for over 25 years. Without Walls follows in
this tradition and provides a voice to this growing population
in need."
Homeless
Women and Children Share Life Experiences
Among
the cast members who will tell their stories in Without Walls
is Toni Lusk. An employed, mother of three, Toni was a Los Gatos
resident, married for ten years, whose husband left the family
for a relationship in Los Angeles. Toni lost the house and was
unable to find work that could pay for child care and rent. She
currently works for a large hardware store and lives at a 90 day
shelter with her three daughters while looking for low income
housing. Prior to finding shelter, Toni and her daughters were
living in a cheap motel.
"I
am participating in Without Walls to educate the community on
how anyone who falls upon hard times can become susceptible to
homelessness," stated Toni Lusk, Without Walls cast member.
"But most importantly, I hope my story inspires other homeless
people in the community struggling with the stigmas of shame and
loss of dignity to persevere and improve their circumstances."
"There
are so many misperceptions in our community of how people become
homeless," stated Christine Burroughs, executive director
of InnVision. "What’s not recognized is that with the
right help, people can better themselves within society. Without
Walls illustrates how misguided public perceptions can be and
how easy it is to make a difference and a contribution."
A
Community of Individuals and Companies Come Together
The
event’s charter sponsor is Corporate Comedy, an organization
whose mission is to create culture change through humor and use
entertainment to transcend barriers and alter perceptions. Additional
sponsors include The Harker School, SanDisk, Newhouse Consulting,
Todd Stuart Salon, The Spot, King, Polino and Associates, Murray
Photo and Graphics, The Institute for Women’s Leadership,
Landmark Education, Central Valley Telephone and Telegraph Company,
Case Cosmetics and TicketWeb.
"Through
the development of Without Walls and my interactions with the
cast, I have learned that the communities most affected by homelessness
in Silicon Valley are women and children," stated Carmen
McKay, Executive Director for Without Walls. "What’s
most alarming about the issue of homelessness in our community
is that many of the people who are homeless and living in shelters
are employed and are people that you and I run into every day
at the grocery store, the mall and other local establishments."
Tickets
can be purchased on a sliding scale of $25 to $100. Children and
students 16 and under admitted free. No one will be turned away
for lack of funds. More information about this event is available
at http://www.withoutwalls2000.com. Tickets can be purchased online
at http://www.ticketweb.com/. All proceeds from this event go
to InnVision, the leading Silicon Valley nonprofit organization
whose programs help homeless families and individuals improve
their lives. Tickets are fully tax deductible.
# # #
