Y-Haven Theatre Project

Homeless people are among the most disenfranchised, marginalized and underserved members of society. Often they are inaccurately portrayed in the media and popular culture. Perceptual and experiential barriers prevent homeless people from involvement in a full complement of community life, including the arts. Y-Haven Theatre Project is one of several Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) programs for underserved groups. The program brings together men who are homeless and recovering from addictions to make a play and perform for the public. In the process of making a play, the men reclaim lost or unknown parts of themselves; they are transformed into creative collaborating artists. Performance is a potent tool to influence beliefs about homelessness and addiction and demonstrate how art changes lives.

Y-Haven Theatre Project is a 12-year partnership between CPT and Y-Haven, a transitional home and treatment center. The program develops skills in the arts and capacities the men can draw upon to maintain sobriety and transition to employment, permanent housing and independent living. For 4 months the men receive intensive training with CPT teaching artists and develop basic performance skills. Through exercises in writing and storytelling the men generate stories about their personal histories, particularly in relation to addiction and recovery, and develop the material for their original play. After weeks of preparation, the men perform for peers, students and the general public touring the production to shelters, detention centers, universities and performance spaces. The productions are authentic, uplifting and heartfelt.

Directed by Executive Artistic Director, Raymond Bobgan, the 2012th edition of The Y-Haven Theatre Project presents “Lost and Found.” The free performances are followed by talk back sessions.  Go to www.cptonline.org for more information.

Cleveland Public Theatre: Thursday November 4 and Friday November 5 at 7:30 pm, Sunday November 7 at 3 pm

Breen Center for the Performing Arts: Tuesday November 22 at 7 pm

Westlake United Methodist Church: Tuesday November 29 at 7pm

Pilgrim Church: Wednesday November 30 at 7pm

John Carroll University, Dolan Center Auditorium: Friday, December 2 at 12 noon

Note: Photographs by Steve Wagner