Monday, May 30, 2011

Enchanting Evening at Encantado


Wonderful friends, subscribers and random readers! It is me again, here to fill you in on some exciting news and mostly, to write about a wonderful experience I had last week. As most of you know, I am a recent MFA Dramatic Writing graduate. What is a writer doing working for DNAWORKS? Well, personally, I was attracted to this company because of their passion for creating opportunities and experiences that shape artists into effective leaders. Dialogue and healing is not just a slogan, they are indeed the key ingredients that are poured into a large amount of artistic creation and mixed with (my favorite ingredient) authentic relationships with their communities. A testament to this was evident in a meeting with Encantado Resort in Santa Fe, NM. Part of the famous Auberge family of resorts, Encantado Resort recently supported DNAWORKS’ work by providing space and lodging for the weekend residency of a composer from Germany and a NYC playwright who are working with Daniel and Adam on a new opera. I will soon post testimonials from their experiences there as part of this blog.
Personally, I am a sucker for any business that supports the arts and especially those that are really invested in what they are supporting. What I mean is that Encantado does not only give their support as a type of transaction. It is a relationship. They truly are interested in supporting artists that can, in turn, offer their guests a unique experience. DNAWORKS is building a relationship with them to be part of this mission.
I was also amazed at how eco-friendly the resort is. I witnessed with my own eyes the effective implementation of everything eco-friendly on their premises.  Encantado, which means enchanted in Spanish, is just that. An enchanting platform for people of all disciplines that come together and relax, enjoy, grow, and experience. I look forward to the exciting possibilities of our future collaboration with them. I think DNAWORKS and Encantado are a perfect match for each other. I was happy to be there to witness one experience of what I am sure will be many. I am certain that the guests, friends and supporters of the Auberge Resorts find this sort of magic in every visit. For that, I thank you, Encantado Resort…for that simple kind of magic.
Until Next Time
Georgina H. Escobar
Program Manager, DNAWORKS
georgina@dnaworks.org

Friday, May 13, 2011

It’s one of those Serbia, Italy, Hungary and an Anthology Summers


Hello wonderful friends, subscribers and random readers. Welcome to DNAWORKS’ Blog! This space will be used not only to provide you with our exciting updates, but also as a forum of extended creativity and conversation with our readers. Our hope is to share exciting updates with you, gather your thoughts and opinions and engage in conversation. You can always visit our website at www.dnaworks.org to find out about our latest news, however, the blog will provide you with a more in-depth report of our endeavors. So what’s NEW!? You are probably aware of the upcoming Europe Tour. Here’s a little summary:
SERBIA! DNAWORKS is participating in the “Passing the Flame” Theatre and Peace-building conference that is happening in Belgrade, Serbia this June. This is incredibly exciting because it is part of the 20th Anniversary of DAH Theatre. HaMapah/The Map (check out our YouTube Video link on our profile) will perform on June 16th.
ITALIA! Heard of the Spoleto Fringe Festival in Italy? It’s a great festival that features performances from around the world, including, HaMapah/The Map in July.
HUNGARY! For the third year in a row, DNAWORKS will return to Hungary, under the auspices of the US Embassy in Budapest, to lead arts-based programming and leadership training at the Roma and Friends Summer Camp.
On top of the European Tour, Say Word! Voices from Hip Hop Theatre–an anthology edited and with an introduction and commentary  by Daniel Banks– launches this very summer. This book collects eight works by contemporary artists Abiola Abrams, Zakiyyah Alexander, Chadwick Boseman, Kristoffer Diaz, Rha Goddess, Antoy Grant, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Rickerby Hinds, and Ben Snyder.
Also included is a conversation among Hip Hop pioneers Eisa Davis, Danny Hoch, Sarah Jones, and Will Power with moderator Holly Bass that traces the roots of Hip Hop Theater and speculates about its future.
So there it is. Our very first Blog. I am looking forward to the many memorable stories that the DNAWORKS team will share with us about the experiences in Serbia, Italy and Hungary. For now, share this with your friends and leave us some comments, tell us what you’re thinking.
‘Till next time!
Georgina H. Escobar
Program Manager, DNAWORKS
email me @ georgina@dnaworks.org