When we think and talk about war, it's hard to think of the individual. Even in history classes, we talk about people as the units of their county, such as "Britain did this so the Germans did that". London Calling is different in its way because it highlights voices of the time that may not actually have had the opportunity to do so. It brings a new perspective that these are really all just people.

By taking these specific characters and placing them together, the plays that make up London Calling call to remind us to think about who we truly are when the pressure drops, when misinformation, panic, and insecurity are running amuck, and how we can maintain our humanity when we don't even know who we are. 

I have left imprints of my soul in not just the direction of this piece, but also in the set, and the music and its arrangement. These words, and these characters and this cast has become a big deal to me, so to see it finally become shared with more than our little cast and crew is a thrill I have been anticipating for what feels like forever. I cannot express enough how much that I truly believe we have all touched by this show, and I hope you enjoy!  Director, Mariangela Mercurio

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As a lover of the Clash, I was intrigued and so interested to be a part of this project. Setting it in the London tubes lead me to dive into the history of that space during the battle of Britain. It was a fascinating and disturbing place. A second home to many. Between September 19 40 and May 1945 , an estimated 63 million people spent time in the tubes, taking shelter from the bombing . Our show gives you a smattering, or just who a few of those people may have been. 

The story that is weaved, by some of the best playwrights in Buffalo , and the characters we meet are all different but also so similar. They all want to live and ultimately want the war-to be over.  They are all humans trying to survive the darkness.

I hope this slice of the past, presented by our wonderful cast and inspired by the iconic music of the Clash, gets you thinking... leaves you feeling grateful, and embracing the beauty of humanity. Director, Catherine Burkhart 

“If you want more people to come to the theatre, don't put the prices at £50. You have to make theatre inclusive, and at the moment the prices are exclusive. Putting TV stars in plays just to get people in is wrong. You have to have the right people in the right parts. Stunt casting and being gimmicky does the theatre a great disservice. You have to lure people by getting them excited about a theatrical experience.” ― Catherine Tate

In the past 16 seasons, this is American Repertory Theater of WNY's business strategy that cross-pollenates the company's artistic vision. 

As is the case with the previous seasons, American Repertory Theater of WNY will start another season featuring original works by 716 playwrights.  Although highlighting regional works is a challenging season endeavor, the creative rewards is enriching for the company. 

But the struggle will continue to bring original works to the stage. Challenges include the creative stigma associated with new works, perceptions that it's a "deranged" idea producing original works in a complete season, patron uncomfortably with unfamiliar plays, and lack of interest in theater unless it's "gimmick theater" or "Hello Dolly". Whichever it may be, the fight is real and continuing.

However, ART/WNY will remain steadfast in premiering local playwrights and giving opportunities to those who may not find them at other Buffalo-based theaters. Because, as the company's mission statement and artistic vision maintains, in presenting works, diversity is the main goal. Not only with presentation, but with the audience base. This is achieved by affordable tickets that allows all community members to attend all ART/WNY shows. 

ART/WNY invites you to become part of a growing commitment to theater that serves a purpose. A purpose that is solely based on poignant, compelling, and diverse narratives. Proactive theater that opens community dialog. Despite opinion, this isn't deranged, unorthodox or poor business decisions. This is what will keep theater going through the digital age, Netflix narratives, and presentations relying on drunk actors or dusty ol' chestnut crowd pleasers.  

American Repertory Theater of WNY invites you to be part of this honest movement. Please join us through Facebook, Instagram, or visiting the company's website. 

Love the 716 in You! 

Bill Baldwin (set construction), John Snodgrass (set construction), Mariangela Mercurio (set detailing), Sarah Emmerling (set detailing), American Legion Post 928, Amy MacGregor-Morrisey, Rachel Morrisey, Cheri Hahn, Catherine Burkhart, Joy Mutchock, Rebecca Mutchock, and all those who contributed their time and resources in the past & present to help continue to keep ART/WNY a viable alternative theater for the region. 

Suzanne Hibbard (Board President), Beth Geyer (Secretary), Mark Humphrey, Michael Breen, Robert Insana (Vice President) Matthew LaChiusa (Treasurer), Susan King, Catherine Burkhart (Board Advisor)

American Repertory Theater of WNY seeks individuals who want to see this company continue to grow and move forward. Please contact Matthew LaChiusa at 716-697-0837 for more details.

Love the ART in You