artscape 2021 is a collaborative theatrical work. Under the direction of Professor of Practice in Acting/Directing Susan G. Reid, she and a group of students devised an idea that would create a writing and performance opportunity for current theatre students that would highlight Atlanta, the pandemic, social injustice, and various global crises.
“It very much speaks to where we are in this moment in time, and we plan to create future artscapes,” says Reid.
artscape 2021 uses Atlanta street art as a stage for a mix of spoken word and theatrical scenes, focusing on subjects that are front and center today: the pandemic, societal inequalities, and the BLM movement.
The School of Film, Media &Theatre is dedicated to educating the next generation of critically aware media makers, scholars, theatre practitioners and citizens. Even during the pandemic, the school has found ways to create COVID19 compliant production opportunities that promote safety while holding space for creativity.
“This was our first try under pretty challenging circumstances as we were not allowed to meet in person until the shoot days. Literally, cast members were bumping elbows as we got into place to shoot,” says Reid.
The short film is a product of committed students with something to say. Despite the challenges beyond their control, artscape 2021 offers hope that even in the worst of times academia can still be a nurturing place for students to thrive and make their creative voices heard.
You can watch artscape 2021 below or on YouTube, as well as listen to a short commentary from Susan Reid on Artistic Voices.
-Karin Smoot