Submitted by Lopez Community Land Trust
So many fronts are impacting islanders these days: displacement of working residents and working farms, unsettling politics and economic issues on the national scene, global climate change, second homeowners new to the islands and increasing visitation from burgeoning Seattle. Can we care for the earth and its creatures, as well as people? Can we as islanders keep our cultural landscape and creatively bring about solutions that fit us? This is the urgency behind bringing Story Bridge and its sequel to Lopez, addressing food, farming and affordable housing for the next generation.
Lopez Community Land Trust is hosting Story Bridge on March 10 and 11, at Lopez Center. Three professionals constitute the leadership for Story Bridge. Richard Geer, P.h.D. in performance studies, is the artistic director and the founder of Story Bridge. People Magazine said, “Director Richard Geer heals troubled communities with the magic of theatre – and the gift of new hope.” An artist, philosopher and educator, Geer has directed more than 40 Story Bridge plays and numerous workshops on five continents of the world.
He is joined by Qinghong Wei, executive director, a scholar and artist, has served as the chief executive officer of a prestigious foundation and co-founder of an award-winning social enterprise. Also part of the team is Iega (Kevin Jeff), an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer. Iega is named as one of The Juilliard School’s 100 Outstanding Alumni in celebration of the school’s centenary anniversary and he is the co-founder and artistic director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago.
Story Bridge begins with a daylong interactive session of community stories, culminating in a community performance open to everyone at 7:30 p.m. Everyone participates, whether on stage acting or making music, behind the scenes, or being the original source of a story. The power of telling your neighbor’s story is difficult to describe.
The following day our deepened relationships will address food, farming and affordable housing for the next generation. Child care will be provided if reserved ahead of time. Reserve catered lunches and Saturday dinner are available for $15. For reservations, email lcltda@rockisland.com or call the LCLT office at 360-468-3723.
