Arts & Entertainment Press Releases

Gitana�s �Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis� explores the 'human sparrows' among us

Sat, 15 May 2010

High resolution photos below
ST. LOUIS, MO –The upcoming original play “Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” explores the “human sparrows” among us, the many extraordinary yet ordinary people who enrich our lives, according to producer Cecilia Nadal of Gitana Productions. “Eye On The Sparrow” is the third original play presented by Gitana Productions, a St. Louis not-for-profit arts and education group that nurtures global healing through music, dance and drama.

The play “Eye On The Sparrow” by award-winning playwright Lee Patton Chiles is based on the actual stories of several St. Louisans from diverse backgrounds and takes place in the setting of a Metro bus. The play will be presented from May 21 through June 6, 2010 at the St. Louis University Theatre at Xavier Hall, 3733 West Pine Mall. Performances are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15; seniors (65+) and students $12.

A limited number of free tickets are available for people who are regular Metro riders. For details, call (314) 721-6556.

“Our neighborhoods are filled with sparrows, so common that we hardly notice them,” said Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. “St. Louis also is full of human ‘sparrows’ – ordinary people who are hardly noticed but who meet the challenges of life with dignity, humor and fierce courage.”

“Eye On The Sparrow” follows the daily travels of Harper, a woman who falls from the grace of a good job, marriage and home to become one among the sparrows. Set within the St. Louis public transportation system, Harper’s life becomes intertwined with the lives of the heroic ordinary people she meets on the bus. Through their everyday struggles, fights and kindnesses, these urban philosophers teach Harper how to begin her life anew.

Special guests in the performance include the vibrant St. Louis gospel singer Sister Ruth Ann Latchison-Nichols and RAVEN WOLF C. FELTON JENNINGS II, a healing sound recording artist with Pug Dog Records who performs spiritual jazz in the St. Louis tradition.

Sister Ruth Ann Latchison-Nichols is well known not only for her world-class voice but also for her amazing inner strength and inspiration to others, having experienced tragedy in her own life. After being attacked by a gang at 15, she was told she would never have a child and was a drug addict for years. She eventually went cold turkey and later had a daughter. But two years ago, her 11-year-old daughter Esther Ruth was killed by a drunken driver. Ruth is now dedicated to providing her ministry to youth and to others experiencing tragedy and pain.

RAVEN WOLF C. FELTON JENNINGS II performs solo jazz, drums, Native American flute and his Magical Mystical Meditation Concerts and Healing Drum Spiriting Concerts throughout the Midwest. He has been performing for more than 17 years and is often seen playing saxophone on Delmar in the University City Loop and at the Historic Soulard Farmer’s Market.

For tickets and special group rates, call (314) 721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org. Tickets also are available at Cafe Natasha, 3200 S. Grand; Screenz, 6680 Delmar; Macro Sun, 1310 Washington or 6273 Delmar; and the Living Insights Center, 6361 Clayton Rd.

Gitana Productions has been nominated for six Kevin Kline Awards for their first two original plays, “Complacency of Silence: Darfur” in 2008 and “My Heart is Always Shaking” in 2009.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance, and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

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Media Contact:
Mary Schanuel
mschanuel@synergy-pr.com
Synergy Group
314.961.9772
www.synergy-pr.com

High Resolution Photos
Click on photos to open high res images, then right click high res image to download - Photo credit ©Tony Schanuel 2010

"Eye On The Sparrow" Cast & Crew

Sat, 15 May 2010

Lee Patton Chiles (Playwright/Director) is an accomplished playwright, director, actor, and educator. She is the former Artistic Director of Historyonics Theatre Company, where her play, Dancing on Air: The Katherine Dunham Story, was nominated for the Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding New Play. Patton has maintained an association with Gitana Productions with roles ranging from Artistic Director to Playwright and Drama instructor in the Global Education through the Arts program. Patton wrote Complacency of Silence: Darfur for Gitana in 2008 to incredible audience reviews and a second Kevin Kline nomination for Outstanding New Play. Patton has an MFA in theater and currently teaches at St. Louis University and Washington University.

Thomasina Clarke (Carla)
Thomasina juggles several passions at the same time. She is the mother of two really great sons and the daughter of one exceptional 96-year-old mother. Educator by day, Thomasina works on her clothing concepts until sleep or some other duty calls. Thomasina has crossed paths with Lee Patton Chiles over many years and was the 2008 Kevin Kline nominee for “Best Supporting Actress” in Gitana’s production of COMPLACENCY OF SILENCE: DARFUR.

Ruth Latchison-Nichols (Angel)
In her over 40-year singing career, Ruth has collaborated with such greats as: G. Taft Getty’s in “Believe I’ll Testify”, “Testify”, “J.C.’s Redemption” and “My Soul Looks Back In Wonder”, where she played gospel great Mahalia Jackson, a character she has depicted numerous times in her career; Robert Ray and the In Unison Chorus during their Gospel Christmas Production at the fabulous Powell; David Peaston, Ronald Winans and Shirley Murdoch while touring nationally in the gospel stage production of “Be Careful What You Pray For”; and for nine years has performed with Reverend Michael O’Hara and Robert White Johnson in the gospel stage production of “The Isle of Dreams”, formerly known as “The Revelation”. Ruth has freely revealed her life story of tragedy and victory from gang rape, drug addiction and the loss of her only child as a means of reaching out to at risk youth.

RAVEN WOLF C. FELTON JENNINGS II (playing himself)
RAVEN WOLF is a healing sound recording artist with PUG DOG RECORDS, LLC. A well-loved street performer in the University City Loop and downtown St. Louis, he has performed ‘Spiritual Jazz’ in the St. Louis tradition for more than 13 years. RAVEN WOLF is well known for his Magical Mystical Meditation Concerts, Healing Drum Spiriting Concerts and Full Moon Ceremonies atop Cahokia Monk’s Mound. He also teaches Native American flute, drums and saxophone lessons for students of all ages. RAVEN WOLF is a practicing Reiki Master of the Usui Shiki Ryoho natural system of healing and a Master Teacher in the Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki VII Method of Universal Healing.

Healy Rodman (Harper Lessing)
A sophomore at Saint Louis University, Healy is thrilled to play Mahira with Gitana Productions in My Heart Is Always Shaking. She is a secondary education and English double major with a minor in theater, which keeps her busy enough! She is also a very active member of SLU's Rainbow Alliance, and appeared in UNA's annual production of The Vagina Monologues. Healy could previously be seen on the SLU stage as Danielle in Language of Angels, Ismene in Antigone, and currently as a God in Good Person of Sezuan with Saint Louis Actors' Studio.

L.A. Williams (Skip, Dickens, Alphonsus)
L.A. has appeared in numerous television commercials and theater venues in St. Louis. He holds a Masters degree in Public Administration and Policy Analysis and aspired to be a politician. He tested his performance chops as founder and host of the cable talk show host of “John Q Public with L.A. Williams.” Later he appeared in television projects, such as the Sci-Fi channel’s original movie “The Black Hole” with Judd Nelson and Kristi Swanson. L.A. Williams has many projects on the horizon, including the forthcoming feature film, “Shadowland,” which was recently showcased in the Tivoli Theater.

William Ketterer (Cab Driver, Eddie, Chris)
A biology student at Saint Louis University, William is delighted to explore the creative dimensions of character development and acting. He is grateful to be working with Lee Patton Chiles and Gitana Productions in his first major acting performance.

Chelsea Russell (Cranky Lady on bus, Ms. Sally)
Chelsea, a freshman at Fontbonne University, is thrilled to be apart of the Gitana family. She has been active in Saint Louis theatre since the age of five performing in community and professional theatre at COCA, The MUNY, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and throughout the region. She was last seen onstage as Ophelia in Fontbonne's production of Fortinbras. She would like to thank Ms. Cecilia and Ms. Patton for this wonderful opportunity.

S2G Performers (Members of Gitana’s Global Education Program)
Danielle Johnson (Gabrielle, Keyanna, dancer and singer)
Janelle Johnson (Azalee, bus driver)
Darren Jackson (CD Salesman/Passenger/Dancer)
Daniel Johnson (Dancer/Passenger)
Samere Shewole (Dancer/Passenger
Michel Mayouba (Dancer/Passenger)
Tory Paige (Understudy)
Presnard Dorlus (Understudy)
Radzul Dorlus (Understudy)
Choreography/Dance Teacher- Aparna Kalyanaraman
Drama Instructor-Lee Patton Chiles
Cultural Diversity/Leadership Instructor-Cecilia Nadal

Set and Light Designer- Tim Poertner
Tim is currently a professor at Lindenwood University in lighting and scenery design. He did the same at the University of Missouri-St. Louis for five years while working actively with a wide variety of theater and dance companies such as Hot City Theater and Gitana Productions. Tim was nominated for outstanding set design by the Kevin Kline Awards for The Last Days of Julius Iscariot and Complacency of Silence: Darfur with each company.

Costume Designer-Michele Siler
Michele returns to Gitana Productions after designing costumes for last year’s My Heart is Always Shaking. Recent St. Louis credits include Woyzeck, Aerwacol,The Concert, The Polish Eggman and Marija’s Pictures for Upstream Theater, The Odyssey, Othello, Antony and Cleopatra, Troilus and Cressida and The Winter’s Tale for St. Louis Shakespeare, Conversations with My Father, Sabina, Kindertransport, Broadway Bound, The Merchant of Venice for New Jewish Theatre, A Man for All Seasons for St. Louis Actor’s Studio and Dancing on Air: The Kathryn Dunham Story and Eagle and Child for Historyonics Theatre, where Michele designed five seasons of historical theatre.

Sound Design- Michael Perkins
Stage Manager, Yolanda Curry
Choreography/Dance Teacher- Aparna Kalyanaraman

Gitana offers Metro riders a limited number of complimentary tickets for �Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis�

Fri, 14 May 2010

Performance photos below
ST. LOUIS, MO – Gitana Productions is offering Metro bus and train riders a limited number of complimentary tickets for the play “Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis,” which opens May 21 at St. Louis University Theatre.

Sponsored by Gitana Productions and written by Kevin Kline award-winning playwright Lee Patton Chiles, “Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” is set on a St. Louis Metro bus and explores the heroic stories of ordinary people. Metro riders should call (314) 721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org for ticket information.

“If you’ve ever been touched or inspired by someone of humble background, you must see this play,” said producer Cecilia Nadal of Gitana Productions, a St. Louis not-for-profit arts and education group that nurtures global healing through music, dance and drama. “Eye On The Sparrow explores the “human sparrows” among us, the many extraordinary yet ordinary people who enrich our lives.”

“Eye On The Sparrow” will be presented from May 21 thru June 6, 2010 at the St. Louis University Theatre at Xavier Hall, 3733 West Pine Mall. Performances are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15; seniors (65+) and students $12. Call (314) 721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org for more information.

“Eye On The Sparrow” follows Harper, a woman who falls from the grace of a good job with a company car, a marriage and a home to become one among the sparrows. Set within the St. Louis public transportation system, Harper’s life becomes intertwined with the lives of the heroic ordinary people she meets on the bus. Through their everyday struggles, fights and kindnesses, these urban philosophers teach Harper how to begin her life anew.

For tickets and special group rates, call (314) 721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org. Tickets also are available at Cafe Natasha, 3200 S. Grand; Screenz, 6680 Delmar; Macro Sun, 1310 Washington or 6273 Delmar; and the Living Insights Center, 6361 Clayton Rd.

Gitana Productions has been nominated for six Kevin Kline Awards for their first two original plays, “Complacency of Silence: Darfur” in 2008 and “My Heart is Always Shaking” in 2009.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance, and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

# # #

Media Contact:
Mary Schanuel
Synergy Group
mschanuel@synergy-pr.com
(314) 961-9772

Local �sparrows� and photographers honored in Gitana Production photography/essay competition

Mon, 10 May 2010

Winning photos to be exhibited at “Eye On the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis" opening May 21

Click to view and download high res images

First Place - by Nancy Finke of north St. Louis County

Second Place - by Jessica Hentoff of Florissant

Third place - by Dennis O'Malley of Webster Groves and Cindy Matejcic of southwest St. Louis County

Winning essays

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Three local photographers and an essayist captured the “sparrows among us” for their prize-winning photo/essays in the Gitana Productions “Eye On The Sparrow - The World Within St. Louis” photography competition. The winners were announced this week and will be exhibited at “Eye On the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis,” an original play by Gitana Productions which opens May 21.

The first place photo/essay by Nancy Finke of north St. Louis County featured Bonnie and Oliver Grueninger, a Florissant couple in their 70s who rise with the roosters each day to prepare their horses and ponies for youth therapeutic horsemanship sessions.

Three teenagers who have been circus performers since they were babies were the subjects of a second-place winning photo/essay by their mother Jessica Hentoff of Florissant, who described them as “three sparrows who inspire me.”

The third place photo/essay by Dennis O’Malley of Webster Groves and Cindy Matejcic of southwest St. Louis County featured their friend, 55-year-old Geri Heidepriem, who lives just a mile from Cindy. They describe her as “a sparrow who soars” despite a series of debilitating illnesses.

The black-and-white juried photography competition “Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” brings attention to the many extraordinary yet ordinary people who enrich our lives in the St. Louis region, according to Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions, a not-for-profit arts and education group that nurtures global healing in the St. Louis community through music, dance and drama.

The winning photographs and stories will be exhibited in the lobby during performances of “Eye On the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis,” an original play by Gitana Productions which opens May 21 at St. Louis University Theatre. Written by award-winning playwright Lee Patton Chiles, the play is set on a Metro bus and is based on the actual stories of several St. Louisans from diverse backgrounds.

“I’ve been blessed to see all the little behind-the-scenes details that riders, their families and volunteers don’t get to see,” Nancy Finke said of the Grueningers, who have devoted the past 25 years of their life and savings to run Jamestown New Horizons, a therapeutic horsemanship program for children with disabilities. “”Their wealth of patience, knowledge and compassion is unsurpassed, and they make everyone feel they are part of their family.” Fink volunteers at New Horizons and has made photography her hobby since college.

Jessic Hentoff’s three children have grown up in the public eye as circus performers. They teach circus skills to other children and perform at the City Museum with the St. Louis Arches. They also have served as peace ambassadors through Circus Harmony’s “Peace Through Pyramids” collaboration with the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus in Israel.

“These formidable young people personify Circus Harmony’s mission to defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers,” said Hentoff, a retired circus performer who runs Circus Harmony, a St. Louis-based circus school and social circus program.

Geri Heidepriem, the subject of Dennis O’Malley’s photo and Cindy Matejcic’s essay, inspires others with her love, generosity of spirit and her good humor, despite terminal cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia and a stroke.

“She has met every setback with determination, fortitude and grace,” said Matejcic, who has known Heidepriem since they played softball together as teenagers in Affton. “Despite her physical struggles, limitations and pain, she is always giving to others, letting people know she’s thinking of them.” Matejcic is an avid gardener, wife and mother who is passionate about people who try to make a difference in the world. O’Malley, who photographed Heidepriem, built his first darkroom at the age of 14 and has been a full-time professional photographer for more than 20 years.

The play “Eye On the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” will be performed at St. Louis University Theatre from May 21 through June 6, 2010. Performances are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15; seniors (65+) and students $12. A limited number of free tickets are available for people who are regular Metro riders. For details, call (314) 721-6556.

For tickets and special group rates, call (314) 721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org. Tickets also are available at Cafe Natasha, 3200 S. Grand; Screenz, 6680 Delmar; Macro Sun, 1310 Washington or 6273 Delmar; and the Living Insights Center, 6361 Clayton Rd.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance, and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

# # #

Media Contact:
Mary Schanuel
mschanuel@synergy-pr.com
314.961.9772

Photography/Essay Winners

Mon, 10 May 2010

news release

FIRST PLACE
Compassion of Bonnie and Oliver Grueninger

Seeing the smile and hearing the laughter from a boy sitting in his wheelchair while Oliver brings over carrots in a tub and Bonnie walks up with Jubilee, is what inspires me each time I visit Bonnie and Oliver Grueninger. They have devoted the past 25 years of their life and life savings to found and run Jamestown New Horizons, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities in Florissant, Missouri. It is all the little things behind the scenes that riders, their families and volunteers are not aware of, that I’ve been blessed to see and makes me realize what an even greater sacrifice they give every day to these children, horses and volunteers.

The rooster crows, they are ready to begin the day. Tilly, their Doberman pinscher accompanies Bonnie to the far end of the pasture to rid vines on the fence so the horses do not get caught in them. While walking, they check the pasture for anything that could harm the horses. Oliver heads to the stable, greeting the horses as he gives them their feed and hay, making sure each one responds and looks as they should. After opening the gate to the pasture, Oliver opens each stall and these beautiful creatures kick up their heels, galloping to the pasture where they play and rest before working with the children that evening.

Bonnie heads back to the house and into the office to perform the innumerable duties that keep her occupied, and away from giving her beloved horses the attention she knows they deserve. Around noon, Oliver comes from the stable to see what to fix for their lunch. Yes, he is the man of the house but chores are shared equally by this couple that has been married 48 years.

The afternoon flies by and soon the driveway bell rings signifying that volunteers are coming followed by parents and children for their lesson. Even though the children receive physical and occupational therapy and social skills to name a few, they do not realize it since this environment is different from the cold, sterile setting of a clinic. Here, they feel warm sun, see geese at the pond, a raccoon and her babies among the trees, all as they sit tall on their horses riding around the arena.

Even after the last session ends at 8:30 pm Bonnie and Oliver’s day isn’t done. They chat with volunteers regarding the sessions and then finally turn off the lights in the indoor riding arena and stable and walk to the house. They sit, review and make notes about the riders and tack for the following week.
Their wealth of patience, knowledge, compassion is unsurpassed. And they have a way of making each rider, their family and the volunteers feel that they now are part of their family – whether they have been coming 25 years or 2 years like me.

And did I mention they are in their seventies and have more energy than the Energizer Bunny!
Photo and Essay by Nancy Finke of north St. Louis County

SECOND PLACE
Three Sparrows in My Nest

I have thee sparrows that inspire me--- my three children: Elliana, Keaton and Kellin Hentoff-Killian. We live in Florissant and work at Circus Harmony which is located inside of City Museum in downtown St. Louis but teaches and performs throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Parents who do work they love often hope their children will follow in their footsteps. Teachers hope their students will surpass them. Elliana, Keaton and Kellin are not only my children but they are also my students. I am honored that they have all chosen to follow in my footsteps and I’m inspired by the integrity and passion they each bring to their work.

My name is Jessica Hentoff and I am a retired circus performer who runs Circus Harmony, a circus school and social circus program here in St. Louis. Like most women in the circus, I’ve just always had my children by my side as I did my work. They have each, in their own way, embraced this work as their own. As I watch Elliana, Keaton and Kellin make their own contributions to circus, to the St. Louis community and beyond, it inspires me to do more and better myself.

As members of Circus Harmony, these circus siblings have grown up very much in the public eye. They teach and perform at City Museum and throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. They have also served as circus peace ambassadors through Circus Harmony’s Peace Through Pyramids collaboration with the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus in Israel. With their work, these three formidable young people personify Circus Harmony’s mission to “defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers all at the same time.”

Elliana (18) started working in the circus ring when she was just two weeks old because I went back to work and took her with me. She did her first trick at 6 months old --- standing in the hand of Giovanni Zoppe, otherwise known as Nino the Clown. At two, she was performing with the St. Louis Arches, the youth circus troupe I coached. Now, she is a senior member of that troupe.

Elliana has stood on the back of galloping horses, done splits on tight wires, flown on the flying trapeze and much more. Her aerial duet has performed at the internationally renowned Spoleto Arts Festival. It makes me very proud to watch her practice and perform. Her dedication and focus are inspirational in themselves.

What really touches my heart and makes Elliana my hero is her desire to pass it on to others. This year, she started taking American Sign Language. When I asked her why, she told me she wanted to teach circus to deaf children. She does not remember that when she was one year old, she used to sit and play on a blanket while I taught circus to children at the Gallaudet School for the Deaf. At least, she doesn’t consciously remember this.

Elliana has been an assistant teacher at Circus Harmony for several years. This year, she has become one of the lead teachers. She teaches all the adult aerial classes and also goes into schools and community centers throughout St. Louis to each circus arts to children. She does an amazing job. She is patient, kind, strict and fair. Children love her. They learn from her. And she is also wise enough to learn from each of them.

My daughter is also my hero because she is so eloquent in what she does. In an essay she wrote about her life, Elliana said: I want to be able to communicate and teach no matter what kind of barrier there may be. I want to take that barrier down and share my knowledge and love of circus with any one who wants to learn. I want to be able to use my experiences and up-bringing to cross over different lines and make it so even if you are deaf or in a wheel chair or live in the poorest neighborhood you can still present yourself in the circus ring and be proud of who you are and what you can do.

Keaton (15) entered the circus ring as soon as he could crawl. He always wanted to be part of the show. When he was just two, he happily and responsibly served as the assistant for both my dog and parrot shows--- handing me props and helping with the animals. He has always been the most willing and able worker at any circus-related task. He has grown into an accomplished performer. Keaton’s skills run the gamut from tumbling and juggling to trapeze and unicycling. If it is a circus act, he can do it.

Keaton is also an excellent and compassionate teacher. His empathetic nature makes him a teacher that students of all ages and backgrounds trust and work well with. He has a special knack for helping children overcome fears. It is wonderful to watch him get a child to try something they thought they could not do and see Keaton share in their joy as his young charges succeed in places they didn’t think they could.

The concept of fairness is very important to Keaton. He will often champion a child who he thinks is not being treated fairly. He is intensely aware of social justice issues locally and internationally. When he was 13, Keaton single handedly raised over $1500 to help the people of Darfur.

This young man is a natural leader and uses this ability to serve his team mates. As part of the circus troupe, the St. Louis Arches, Keaton is the one the troupe turns to when they need to put together an act or an entire show. He inspires his team mates and students to work harder and do more. Keaton is my hero because he not only works hard to perform well himself but also helps lead others to do so.

Kellin (13) is the artist, the non-conformist, the boy in his own world with his rubber chickens and his duct tape. He was fascinated with juggling and juggling props from an early age and used to line up props and pretend to be doing an act. Unlike his siblings, Kellin was not interested in performing until he could do tricks that he thought were worthwhile.

At the age of 6, he approached me to ask if he could present a solo show in our circus ring at City Museum. “You don’t have a show,” I said. But he did. Kellin had put together a small juggling show of his own. He was the first of many future youth circus showcase performers. He won a national juggling contest with his original chef juggling act when he was 10 years old. At age 12, Kellin was responsible for the first student produced show. Students as old as 18 signed up to be directed by him in this original production.

Kellin is a creator--- from building things with food and stacking lawn furniture into sculptures as a toddler, to stop-action Lego movies and life-sized duct tape dummies as a pre-teen. He has created innovative juggling acts, an array of duct tape fashions and armies of creatures made from recycled materials. He sees things in his mind and makes them real. Everything he does is one-of-a-kind.

Kellin’s concentration and creativity inspire me. He is and has always been his own person. Because he is so solid in himself, he is the first to befriend new students at the circus. Kellin is admired by children, teens and adults for who he is and how he is in the world, in addition to what he creates. Kellin is my hero because I think it is amazing to find someone so true to themselves at so young an age.
Photo and Essay by Jessica Hentoff of Florissant

THIRD PLACE
Geri Heidepriem - "A Sparrow Who Soared"

My friend Geri's nickname is "bird." She got the nickname years ago, when we were teens and played softball together. She was petite and fast; she could run like the wind. Everyone loved her.

Today, at 55, she is still petite, but not quite so fast. Wheelchair-bound, she is paralyzed on the right side. Everyone still loves her, but with a love deepened and enriched by her extraordinary passion for life.

Geri has taught me, and those around her, lessons we'll never forget. The first is her steadfast courage in adversity. Ten years ago, she was diagnosed with Mylodysplasia, a terminal form of cancer of the blood. She was given three or four years to live. She has defied the odds -- fighting with everything she has. Because of the cancer, she subsequently developed other kinds of illnesses and complications, such as insulin-dependent diabetes and fibromyalgia. Then, making matters worse, she had a stroke. No one knew if she would make it or not. She was in the ICU for months. That was followed by months of therapy.

Geri has learned to use her left hand and tries to do everything she can by herself. But of course, her husband, Randy has to help her with a lot of things. He is another sparrow. True love is an amazing thing to watch. Many people stricken with one debilitating illness after another would give up. Not Geri. She has met every setback with determination, fortitude -- and, most of all, grace.

I would say Geri, "Why are you always in a good mood?" With a smile, always with a smile, she would say, “Do you think anyone would want to be around me if I was angry and crabby all the time?”

Everyone who worked at St. John’s therapy loved her. And the patients just had a ball with her. She was always making them laugh, and she could hardly talk! Day by day, her love of life has inspired us. But even that does not capture all that makes her special. Despite her physical struggles, limitations and pain, Geri is always giving to the people she loves.

I remember when I was going through my divorce. Every Wednesday she would come up with some excuse for me to come by at dinner time, knowing my daughter would be with her dad and I would be alone. Her friendship and presence were a source of strength as I went through a difficult time.

As physically challenging as it is for her, she does her best to let people know she's thinking of them, in small ways as well. She writes cards from her computer. It may take her hours to do one, but she stays at it and doesn’t give up. Before the stroke she was somewhat ambulatory. She came over and watched my mom who was suffering with heart disease. They were quite a pair. People would laugh and say, “Whose watching who?”

When another friend became a diabetic, she spent hours writing down and explaining to her what she should eat, when, substitutes, etc. It really picked her up and helped my friend realize that diabetes isn’t a death sentence.

She is always the first to laugh at herself. She fell through the seat on the commode and couldn’t get out. She yelled “Randy, I am in a pickle!” At Christmas we all got an ornament shaped like a pickle. Not just for me, but for all of Geri’s friends, family and acquaintances, it has been our pleasure to have her in our life as long as we have. And I hope it will stay that way for a long time to come. Here’s to Geri, our sparrow of St. Louis.
Photo by Dennis O’Malley of Webster Groves
Essay by Cindy Matejcic of south St. Louis County

Photography Competition Call for Entries �Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis�

Tue, 16 Feb 2010

ST. LOUIS, MO – Gitana Productions is calling for entries to their black-and-white juried photography competition “Eye On The Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” which will bring attention to the many extraordinary yet ordinary people who enrich our lives in the St. Louis region. Entries are due March 31, 2010, and winning photographs will be part of a juried exhibit that tours the St. Louis region in 2010. For entry details, visit www.gitana-inc.org.

“All of us have a hero, someone whose work or deeds make the St. Louis community better and who inspire us to be better,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions, a not-for-profit arts and education group that nurtures global healing in the St. Louis community through music, dance and drama.

“Some heroes are like sparrows, people of simple means and humble backgrounds. An unsung and perhaps unlikely hero might be the friendly bus driver, a caretaker, someone from a different culture or even a homeless person who encourages others. We hope to capture their images and stories in this exhibit.”

Gitana will produce an original play “Eye On the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis” based on the actual stories of several St. Louisans from diverse backgrounds. Written by award-winning playwright Lee Patton Chiles, the play will be performed at St. Louis University from May 21 thru June 6, 2010. Both the play and the photography competition are intended to engage the community in recognizing the beauty within and the contribution of the “sparrows” among us, Nadal said.

Each photograph submitted to the competition must be accompanied by a 500-word description of the person in the photo, including contact information, details on why they are a “sparrow” and their neighborhood. Images submitted without a narrative will not be considered. Entry details are available at www.gitana-inc.org.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance, and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

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Media Contact:
Mary Schanuel
mschanuel@synergy-pr.com
Synergy Group
314.961.9772
www.synergy-pr.com

First "St. Louis Festival of World Sacred Music" Coming to St. Louis

Thu, 01 Oct 2009

Click to view and download high res images.

Ustad Imrat Kahn, India's foremost sitar and surbahar musician, taught George Harrison of The Beatles.

John Two-Hawks of the Lakota Nation, flutist, singer and musician

Brother Seamus Byrne, Irish composer and performer

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, Buddhist dancer

Click to view performance schedule.

Scroll to view and download photos of sacred music instruments

ST. LOUIS, MO – Gitana Productions will present the first “St. Louis Festival of World Sacred Music” on Saturday, October 17, 2009, from noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Union Avenue Christian Church, home of the Union Avenue Opera, at 733 Union Blvd., St. Louis.

“Prepare to be moved by the incredible music of these wonderfully gifted artists,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions, a not-for-profit arts and education group that nurtures global healing in the St. Louis community through music, dance and drama.

“Every culture creates music that is sacred, music that expresses universal emotions,” Nadal said. “The Festival of World Sacred Music reflects our commitment to global healing, by bringing together international and local musicians who represent diverse spiritual and religious interests."

Guest artists include world-renowned musicians:
Ustad Imrat Khan is India’s foremost sitar and surbahar (bass sitar) musician and teacher, whose many students have included George Harrison of The Beatles and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. Surbahar players are rare today, and Imrat is the world’s leading exponent of the art. Khan spends a portion of each year teaching classical Indian music and instructing sitar students at Washington University in St. Louis.

John Two-Hawks of the Lakota nation is an indigenous flutist, singer and musician whose Platinum Award-winning work has been featured in dozens of movies, CDs and videos. Two-Hawks has traveled throughout the world as a performer. He plays dozens of instruments, but is best known as a virtuoso player of the Native American flute.

Brother Seamus Byrne is an international composer and performer of Celtic Christian music that is deeply inspiring and soul-nourishing. Born in Ireland, he lives a contemplative lifestyle with the Servants of Love monastic community near the Wicklow mountains. His plays traditional Irish flute, whistles and Bodhrán, and his melodic “old style” vocals are soothing and deeply inspiring. He has a passion for the Celtic spirit of the people who lived in Ireland from 500 to 1,000 AD. The primitive, ancient wisdom of that era comes across in his style of singing and musicianship, which is enthralling and uplifting.

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya practices a sacred Buddhist dance that, for hundreds of years, has been virtually unknown outside the circles of those who perform it. This ancient ritual dance dates back more than 1,000 years and is a religious discipline of the priests of Kathmandu, who perform the dance as part of their esoteric meditation practices, ceremonies and rituals.

Alerica Anderson is a gospel singer, songwriter, composer, producer and director. He began playing in churches at the age of twelve, studied jazz and music performance at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and directed the university’s gospel choir. He has performed with both secular and gospel artists including Edwin Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, David Peaston, and Celine Dion.

Other musicians include vocalist Margaret Waddell, who will perform 12th century Benedictine chants; vocalist Iya Ashabi, who will perform a Yoruba-derived African musical ceremony; and harpist Amy Camie, who will provide a musical and lyrical interpretation of the Mesopotamian myth of Nanna and Ningal with her ensemble.

Tickets for the full-day festival are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors over 65 and students with ID, $8 for children 12 and under. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For tickets or more information, call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. Tickets also will be available at Screenz Computer Center, 6680 Delmar in the Loop; the Living Insights Center at 6361 Clayton Rd.; and the Everest Café and Bar at 4145 Manchester Avenue, where restaurant patrons can purchase discounted tickets beginning September 1, 2009.

The Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council, Midwest Arts Alliance, Boeing Employees Charitable Trust and the National Endowment have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

SACRED MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
A display of sacred music instruments will be provided during the Festival by the Living Insights Center of St. Louis.

Click to view/download high res images.

Australian Aboriginal didgeridoo	Tibetan Buddhist conch shell horn	Indian harmonium Hindu & Sufi Muslim	Jewish shofar

Media Contact:
Mary Schanuel
mschanuel@synergy-pr.com
Synergy Group • 7915 Big Bend Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63119
314.961.9772 • 314.961.9782 (fax)
www.synergy-pr.com

Performance Schedule - St. Louis Festival of World Sacred Music

Thu, 01 Oct 2009

St. Louis Festival of World Sacred Music
Gitana Productions, Inc.
Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Noon to 8 p.m.

Doors open for food, drinks and vendors at 11 a.m.
Noon - Amy Camie – harp interpretation of Mesopotamian myth
1 p.m. - Margaret Waddell - 12th century Benedictine chants
2 p.m. - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharva - sacred Buddhist dance
3 p.m. - Alerica Anderson - gospel music singer
4 p.m. - Iya Ashabi - Yoruba-derived African musical ceremony
5 p.m. - John Two-Hawks - Platinum Award-winning indigenous flutist, singer and musician
6 p.m. - Brother Seamus Byrne - international composer and performer of Celtic Christian music
7 p.m. - Imrat Khan - India’s foremost sitar musician

The Living Insights Center will display World Sacred Instruments throughout the day.

Ticket price allows you to participate in the Festival all day.

Original Play Dramatizes Journey from Afghanistan to St. Louis

Fri, 24 Apr 2009

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Emily Guck, Erica D'Souza and Rahim Sidqui

Erica D'Souza, Erna Becic and Emily Guck

Amira Georges, Healy Rodman and Ghazala Fouladi

Roxane McWilliams

Rahim Siqui, Erna Becic, Amira Georges and Erica D'Souza

Rahim Sidqui, Erna Becic, Amira Georges and Erica D'Souza

ST. LOUIS, MO – A startling production about the journey of refugee women from Afghanistan to St. Louis debuts at St. Louis University Theatre on May 22, 2009 with nine performances through June 7. Gitana Production Inc. will present “My Heart is Always Shaking: Afghan Women Refugees in St. Louis,” based on an original script by Lee Patton Chiles that follows the journey of Afghan women as they escape the Taliban and begin to build a new life in St. Louis.

The journey from Afghanistan to St. Louis is long and difficult, yet nearly 1,500 Afghans and 6,000 Iranians have settled here. Gitana Productions, Inc. will bring this journey to life through “My Heart is Always Shaking.” The performance is part of Gitana’s eleventh annual “Faces of Love” program, which focuses on a different culture each year.

“When we set out to understand another culture, we need to experience it as wholly as possible, using different mediums,” said Cecilia Nadal, producer of Gitana Productions, Inc. “Last year, we explored Persian culture through music, poetry and the Persian cuisine. Through drama, we’ll learn about the hardships and challenges of Afghan women who have made the long and transforming journey from one culture to another.”

Chiles, an acclaimed St. Louis playwright, interviewed two-dozen Afghan women who escaped the Taliban and traveled to St. Louis. The women’s stories are woven together to display a clearer picture of what war in Afghanistan means to women who have experienced a life of oppression. It is a story of courage, humor, sorrow and resilience.

“When I was talking with one woman, I noticed her hands were shaking and I asked if she was afraid,” Chiles said. “She told me, ‘Yes. Even here. My heart is always shaking.’ And that told me so much about her and about the journey she is on. I think this is the kind of story that helps us all grow as people and grow in our understanding of humanity.”

The cast stars several actors who are immigrants from counties including Iran, Oman and Bosnia. Vivian Watt is choreographing the production with set and light design by Kevin Kline Awards-nominated Tim Poertner. Michele Friedman Siler will provide costume design.

“My Heart is Always Shaking” runs May 22 through June 7 at St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine Mall, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for students with a valid ID and $8 for children 10 and under. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

Tickets are available at Screenz, 6680 Delmar Blvd. in University City or by calling 314-721-6556. Patrons of Sameems Afghan Restaurant, 3191 S. Grand Blvd. and Café Natasha at 3200 S. Grand Blvd. can purchase tickets at a special discount. Tickets also will be available at the door.

The Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts and the Boeing Employees Charitable Trust have provided funding to support the “Faces of Love From Afghanistan” events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

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Media Contact: Maggie Rhynes
Synergy Group • 7915 Big Bend Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63119
314.961.9772 • 314.961.9782 (fax)
www.synergy-pr.com

Gitana Productions Names Afghan immigrant as 2009 Extraordinary Ordinary Person of the Year

Mon, 20 Apr 2009

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Aziza Seddiqui, Gitana Production's 2009 Extraordinary Ordinary Person of the Year

ST. LOUIS, MO – Aziza Seddiqui, 28, of St. Louis has been named Gitana Productions’ 2009 “Deeds Beyond Race: Extraordinary Ordinary Person of the Year.” This is the ninth year for the award, which this year focuses on an ordinary citizen who has bridged the gap between Afghan refugees and immigrants and the broader St. Louis community.

Since immigrating to the St. Louis area in 2007, Seddiqui has worked with St. Louis-based Bi-Lingual International Assistant Services (BIAS), an organization that aids immigrants and refugees in connecting with services to learn English, establish a life in the area and prepare for naturalization tests.

“Aziza makes herself available 24/7 to help her community and clients, providing an amazing service for individuals in St. Louis. She is a source of trust and vital information, particularly for Afghani women refugees,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive producer of Gitana Productions. “Aziza draws on her own experiences as an Afghan immigrant and her abilities to make her clients feel welcomed and to help them work through trauma.”

“The majority of Afghan women refugees have never attended school and are illiterate. We are impressed that Aziza used her education to help those less fortunate than herself in a self-sacrificing way,” said Nadal. “For Afghan women to obtain an education and become literate in English is imperative but very difficult. Aziza makes sure opportunities are available to them and that they are successful.”

Seddiqui will be honored during the opening night performance of the upcoming play “My Heart is Always Shaking: Afghan Women Refugees in St. Louis,” on May 22, 2009 at St. Louis University Theatre. The play is an original production, written by Lee Patton Chiles that follows two women and their families as they escape the Taliban and arrive in St. Louis. The story follows their first year in America, as they struggle to leave behind an oppressive society and maintain their identity in a free one.

The majority of Seddiqui’s work with BIAS includes helping Afghan, Nepali, Pakistani and other foreign individuals find assistance to prepare for naturalization. In the past year, Seddiqui has tutored 35 individuals. Twenty-seven of them have attained citizenship.

Seddiqui understands the challenges that refugee and immigrant women must face. “Most of the refugee or immigrant women are from warring countries. Their biggest problem is education,” she said. “They had no opportunity to get an education during war time, which makes their lives more difficult when they come to developed countries like the United States. They often face great depression and anxiety problems as well.”

Julie Ostropolsky is the president and CEO of BIAS and nominated Aziza for the award.

“For the Afghan immigrants we serve, Aziza is the link between Afghanistan and St. Louis,” Ostropolski said. “She bridges the cultural gap and gives a voice to Afghan women who may not be able to speak for themselves, whether that is because they don’t speak the language, have a physical disability or are bound by cultural norms.”

Seddiqui also helps obtain homecare for elderly refugees and medical services for those who require it.

“The Afghan women trust her,” said Ostropolski. “They often request that she be their interpreter even when others are available. She goes out of her way to assist them, accompanies them to doctor appointments and has helped some through domestic violence or other abuse situations.”

Seddiqui came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2007 to accept a Medal of Honor from President George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as part of the International Woman of Courage Award she received in recognition of her work in women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Seven months pregnant and fearing her life would be endangered if she returned to Afghanistan, Seddiqui settled in St. Louis, the same city her grandmother had come to in 2000. Seddiqui holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, has a background in human rights and is fluent in five languages. She is currently working on a book regarding her experiences and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Gitana event bridges the gap
“My Heart Keeps Shaking” is the highlight of Gitana’s 2009 “Faces of Love” series, which focuses on a different culture each year. Last year’s play, “Complacency of Silence: Darfur,” was Gitana’s first dramatic production and received five Kevin Kline Awards nominations.

This year’s story is one of courage, humor, sorrow and resilience that will give the audience a new perspective on the lives of women in Afghanistan.

“My Heart is Always Shaking” runs May 22 through June 7 at St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine Mall, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for students with a valid ID and $8 for children 10 and under. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

The Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts and the Boeing Employees Charitable Trust have provided funding to support the “Faces of Love From Iran and Afghanistan” events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana is funded by the Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, the Monsanto Fund and the Boeing Employee’s Charitable Trust. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. Gitana Production’s first theatrical production was nominated for five Kevin Kline Awards. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

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Media Contact: Maggie Rhynes
Synergy Group • 7915 Big Bend Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63119
314.961.9772 • 314.961.9782 (fax)
www.synergy-pr.com