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Without Walls, An Innovative Theatrical and Musical Production Breaks Down Stereotypes of Homeless By Telling The Stories of Seven Women, Currently Homeless, Through Multimedia Performance ArtUnique Production Supports InnVision�s Programs for Homeless Women WHAT: Without Walls tells the stories of seven women, currently homeless, through the use of original music, photography, movement and humor designed to illustrate and eliminate public stereotypes of homeless people. WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 2000 WHERE: The Harker School in San Jose Features Famous Improvisational Jazz Vocalist Rhiannon!!! May, 19, 2000--San Jose, California - A community of Silicon Valley individuals, volunteers and companies today announced an original theatrical production designed to breakdown society�s stereotypes of homeless people titled "Without Walls." Featuring musical performances from Rhiannon, a famous improvisational jazz vocalist currently touring with Bobby McFerrin in Voicestra and original music performed by keyboardist Lane Yago, Without Walls tells the stories of seven women, currently homeless, through the use of original music, photography, movement and humor designed to illustrate and eliminate public stereotypes of homeless people. All proceeds from Without Walls, taking place Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. at The Harker School, located at 500 Saratoga Avenue will be donated to InnVision, the leading Silicon Valley nonprofit organization whose programs help homeless families and individuals improve their lives. Conceptualized by executive producer Carmen McKay, Without Walls was written, directed and produced by theater professionals who have donated their time and expertise to this unique production. The production has received endorsements from local and state government officials including the Honorable John Vasconcellos, California State Senator, and former San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer. "Without Walls will educate and benefit the public by breaking down misguided stereotypes surrounding homelessness," stated the Honorable John Vasconcellos, California State Senator, 13th District. "InnVision has provided critical shelter and services to those in need in the Silicon Valley for over 25 years. Without Walls follows in this tradition and provides a voice to this growing population in need."
Homeless Women and Children Share Life Experiences Among the cast members who will tell their stories in Without Walls is Toni Lusk. An employed, mother of three, Toni was a Los Gatos resident, married for ten years, whose husband left the family for a relationship in Los Angeles. Toni lost the house and was unable to find work that could pay for child care and rent. She currently works for a large hardware store and lives at a 90 day shelter with her three daughters while looking for low income housing. Prior to finding shelter, Toni and her daughters were living in a cheap motel. "I am participating in Without Walls to educate the community on how anyone who falls upon hard times can become susceptible to homelessness," stated Toni Lusk, Without Walls cast member. "But most importantly, I hope my story inspires other homeless people in the community struggling with the stigmas of shame and loss of dignity to persevere and improve their circumstances." "There are so many misperceptions in our community of how people become homeless," stated Christine Burroughs, executive director of InnVision. "What�s not recognized is that with the right help, people can better themselves within society. Without Walls illustrates how misguided public perceptions can be and how easy it is to make a difference and a contribution."
A Community of Individuals and Companies Come Together The event�s charter sponsor is Corporate Comedy, an organization whose mission is to create culture change through humor and use entertainment to transcend barriers and alter perceptions. Additional sponsors include The Harker School, SanDisk, Newhouse Consulting, Todd Stuart Salon, The Spot, King, Polino and Associates, Murray Photo and Graphics, The Institute for Women�s Leadership, Landmark Education, Central Valley Telephone and Telegraph Company, Case Cosmetics and TicketWeb. "Through the development of Without Walls and my interactions with the cast, I have learned that the communities most affected by homelessness in Silicon Valley are women and children," stated Carmen McKay, Executive Director for Without Walls. "What�s most alarming about the issue of homelessness in our community is that many of the people who are homeless and living in shelters are employed and are people that you and I run into every day at the grocery store, the mall and other local establishments." Tickets can be purchased on a sliding scale of $25 to $100. Children and students 16 and under admitted free. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. More information about this event is available at http://www.withoutwalls2000.com. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ticketweb.com/. All proceeds from this event go to InnVision, the leading Silicon Valley nonprofit organization whose programs help homeless families and individuals improve their lives. Tickets are fully tax deductible. # # #
Editor�s Note: Carmen McKay, Executive Producer of this event and members of the cast are available for interviews before, during and after the performance. To schedule an interview, please contact Jessica Johannes of Lutchansky Communications at 408-938-9050 x 15 or [email protected] or Jan Bernstein of InnVision at (408) 292-4286 or [email protected], or cell phone (408) 439-6345.
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