RECAP: THE MOBILE JOURNEY
June 2, 2017—The Baltimore Center Stage Mobile Unit officially launched this spring with Endgame, Samuel Beckett’s landmark play that explores the inexplicable, unpredictable journey of life, and our desire to not go it alone. Over the course of two weeks, the Mobile Unit’s professional actors brought this production to underserved audiences all over Baltimore.
“I think the biggest lesson the Endgame ensemble learned on the inaugural tour of the Mobile Unit is that when we as artists create with the sole purpose of service behind our work, that’s when the art becomes transformative for our audiences—and for us,” said Director Daniel Bryant, who also serves as Artistic Producer/Community Programs Director for the theater.
“I know the men can appear rather aloof, but they really enjoyed the play and meeting everyone,” said Sheila Helgerson, executive director of Earl’s Place, a provider of transitional housing and support for men experiencing homelessness. “There was talk after [they] left about the commonalities between the characters and them as people and recovering addicts.”
Marilyn Hatza, Program Officer, Grants & Strategic Partnerships at Maryland Humanities, a sponsor of the program, attended the performance at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
“Audience members repeatedly expressed how moving the afternoon was for them. I know it was for me,” said Hatza. “The actors were professional but approachable and genuine. Mr. Bryant was so engaging and welcoming. What a pleasurable and memorable experience! I’m so glad we were able to support this important work. Kudos to Baltimore Center Stage for taking theater to places and people who would not necessarily be exposed to it otherwise.”
The Mobile Unit performed at the following spaces in April:
- Baltimore Outreach Services: The mission of Baltimore Outreach Services is to provide comprehensive services and programs to homeless women and their children.
- Sandtown Winchester Senior Center: This center offers a variety services, programs, and activities that help meet the social, physical, and intellectual needs of older adults.
- Restoration Gardens: This apartment complex provides permanent housing for previously homeless teenagers and at-risk youth.
- Health Care for the Homeless: The people at HCH provide comprehensive health care services and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness.
- Esperanza Center: The Esperanza Center is a comprehensive immigrant resource center that offers hope and essential services (like ESL education and health care) to people who are new to the United States.
- Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: The mission of the LBPH is to provide comprehensive library services to the eligible blind and physically handicapped residents of the State of Maryland.
- YO! Baltimore: Older teens and young adults who are out of school and out of work can connect with academic classes, GED prep, job training, and other services through YO! Baltimore.
- Earl's Place Transitional Housing: Earl’s Place is a transitional housing program in Baltimore City providing long-term housing and supportive services to men experiencing homelessness.
- Weinberg Housing and Resource Center: WHRC is a low barrier emergency shelter that provides homeless services to over 275 adult men and women each night in the City of Baltimore.
- Baltimore Center Stage: The final performance of Endgame took place in the first floor Deering Lobby in our very own building!