Writers Block, Ink announces their production of “The Secret Wells Behind These Walls”

July 21, 2011, New London, CT…Writers Block, Ink announces their original production of “The Secret Wells Behind These Walls,” directed by Monica Lasenberry and choreographed by Liz Almanzar assisted by Abdul Johnson.  Performances run from August 18 – 21, 2011 at The Writers Block Performing Arts Center in New London, CT.  Performance information and tickets for The Secret Wells Behind These Walls be can be obtained by calling (860) 442-5265. Tickets are $12 ($10 for students and seniors) and $8 for groups of five or more.


The Secret Wells Behind These Walls is an original work created and written by the students of the Writers Block, Ink and was inspired by the Judy Dworin Performance Project’s “In This House,” coming to The Garde Arts Center this fall.  The play, "The Secret Wells Behind These Walls" incorporates the history of New London’s Hempstead House into a modern day story of a family who now lives in the Hempstead neighborhood.  During the course of the play, ancestral family secrets are revealed and tear the family apart. At stake for the family are issues of identity and race, the capacity to forgive and to love; and the ability to move beyond the past, live in the present and make a difference for the future. The production includes music, dance and poetry making for an exhilarating theatrical performance.
 
The mission of The Writers Block, Ink is to arm young voices with the power of pen, poetry and prose, reinforcing teamwork, accountability, and responsibility – igniting social change on the page and the stage.  The Writers Block Ink was started in 2003 as a 501c3 non-profit organization to encourage youth to use writing and performance as tools to address personal and social challenges on the community stage. Students from The Block create original plays with a strong emphasis on spoken word poetry and have performed on stages across Southeastern Connecticut. Courses are structured to guide students to improve skills in the performing arts including writing, acting, singing and dance, as well as to build self-confidence, leadership, and teamwork. The students conceive of an idea, develop a plot, create characters and evaluate character conflict, then write a final script, cast themselves, market, and ultimately perform their work for the community. The Writers Block, Ink's overall purpose is to empower youth to advance key skills through all aspects of the performing arts in order to enhance their lives, communities and the world.  For more information go to www.writersblockink.org.
 
 
Monica Lasenberry, (Director) is a New London resident.  She is an alumna of New London High School, Class of 2006.  While in High School, Monica made her debut on stage in 2003 at the Garde Arts Center in “Warriors Don’t Cry” as one of the Little Rock Nine.  She is one of the founding students of the Writers Block, Ink and has acted in, danced in, and helped direct past productions including “Center Stage,” “Chastity’s Choice,” “Raisin in the Sun,” “One Love,” “Soulful Expressions,” and “The Elements of Hope’s Inferno.”  Monica was also a 2006 Debutant and won the talent award.  She is currently attending Southern Connecticut State University where she is studying psychology and public health.  At Southern, Monica is a member of the African American Student Association, Jubilee Gospel Choir, and has served as Vice-President of Classical Dance of Symphonic Pulse Dance Company. In the community, she is assistant director of Colors of Life. Monica loves working with kids and works to inspire them to be all that they can be. 

Key Dates and Information
 
What:  Writers Block, Ink’s “The Secret Wells Behind These Walls”
When:  August 18 – 20 at 7:00 PM, and August 20 - 21 at 2:00 PM
Where:  Writers Block, Ink Performing Arts Center, 446 Colman Street, New London, CT 06320  (behind Rapid Car Wash)
How:  Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors, and  $8 for groups of 5 or more attending the same performance.  Tickets can be obtained by calling
(860) 442-5625.
 
Additional information is available at www.writersblockink.org or call  (860) 442-5625 or (860) 861-3743.