ArtsEmerson’s Grand Opening Offers Cultural Experiences

From Shanghai to Austria, from Boston to Laramie, the world will literally be on stage during ArtsEmerson’s grand opening weekend September 23–26.

ArtsEmerson has lined up a program of international theatre to suit people of all ages and tastes. With new cultural experiences in theatre, film, music, and public dialogue, Rob Orchard, Emerson’s Executive Director for the Arts, said there’s something for everyone.

“When I started this adventure 11 months ago, I was inspired by the sudden presence of these four magnificent new venues operating for the first time under one umbrella,” Orchard said of Emerson’s Paramount Mainstage, Black Box, Bright Family Screening Room, and the Cutler Majestic Theatre.

“[The venues] offer a rare opportunity to bring to town works from all over the world that would likely never see the light of day here were it not for Emerson College and the gift to us all of these distinct facilities,” said Orchard.

“When I started this adventure 11 months ago, I was inspired by the sudden presence of these four magnificent new venues operating for the first time under one umbrella.”

–Rob Orchard, Emerson’s Executive Director for the Arts, of the Paramount Mainstage, Black Box, Bright Family Screening Room, and the Cutler Majestic Theatre

On opening night, Thursday, September 23, ArtsEmerson will commemorate the Paramount’s movie house history by screening the 1932 inaugural feature, Shanghai Express, in the Bright Family Screening Room.

That same night Emerson students will join the cast of Fraulein Maria (a dance-theatre response to The Sound of Music) to perform the Boston debut of the show at the Paramount Mainstage.

Pop Up Plays, 10-minute plays by 10 local playwrights, produced and performed by Emerson College faculty, staff, and students will be happening in the Black Box Theatre and on the Mainstage throughout Thursday evening, and Emerson College filmmakers will be showcased in the Bright Family Screening Room.

On Friday, September 24, the Boston debut of the Tectonic Theater Project’s The Laramie Project will be followed by the world premiere of the first fully produced production of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later at the Cutler Majestic Theatre. (Please note that there are only four opportunities to see these two projects back-to-back.)

In conjunction with these performances, ArtsEmerson is hosting a series of panel discussions and other activities to engage both the Emerson and Greater Boston communities.

To view a full schedule of events, including other films, parties, and essential information, visit ArtsEmerson.