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First in series looking at issues in the arts will feature Holly Hughes and Keith Martin


PlayMakers Repertory Company is launching a new series of symposia examining issues in the arts.

Offered free of charge, the initial symposium on Feb. 27 will examine freedom of expression in artistic endeavors. Featured guests include celebrated performance artist Holly Hughes and Keith Martin, managing director of Charlotte Repertory Theatre.

"We are very excited about this series, and hope to examine issues critical to the survival of the arts in our society," said PlayMakers Repertory Company Artistic Director David Hammond. "I can think of no topic more essential to the health of the arts than freedom of expression."

Obie award-winning performance artist and playwright Holly Hughes is one of the most popular and controversial artists before the public. She will relate her experience as one of the "NEA 4" whose grant was revoked by the National Endowment for the Arts, making her a central figure in the American culture wars of the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to N.C. Sen. Jesse Helms, Hughes is a "garbage artist."

Keith Martin, managing director of Charlotte Repertory Theatre, will reflect on his experience producing the Pulitzer prize-winning Angels in America in North Carolina. Martin's career in the not-for-profit arts spans more than 25 years and includes artistic direction and choreography in professional theatre, opera, symphonic music and dance.

The performances of both Hughes and Charlotte Repertory Theatre were attacked for "homosexual content."

Rounding out the panel are Gene R. Nichol Jr, dean of the Carolina School of Law; Daniel Pollit, Kenan professor emeritus, Carolina School of Law; Debra Ross, American Civil Liberties Union; Chuck Stone Jr., Walter Spearman professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication; and Chapel Hill Mayor Rosemary Waldorf.

The Freedom of Expression symposium will take place in the Paul Green Theatre, Center for Dramatic Art, at 7 p.m. To gain admission, attendees will be required to present their complimentary ticket. Attendees will have the chance to interact with panelists during a question and answer session.

Advance complimentary tickets have been offered to PlayMakers subscribers and Carolina students. Remaining free tickets are now available to the general public. Call PlayMakers at 2-PLAY for tickets and additional information.

This symposium is made possible by a grant from the Williamson Committee to Promote Gay and Lesbian Studies.


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