This is Reading - Revisited

In 2011, September 26 to be exact, the New York Times declared Reading, PA, the poorest city (per capita) in the United States. Some have argued the label was unfair or inaccurate. I think it was just what we needed to wake up, take action and be better! Regardless, few will disagree that having Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, take notice and take interest in Reading has been one of the best things to happen to our community.

Lynn came to us in her usual way, with curiosity but without judgement. By engaging individuals and organizations to tell their story, she hoped to understand why and how we were where we were, but more importantly she wanted to create a way for us to celebrate our past and contemplate our future. She succeeded!

In 2017, along with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Tony Gerber, she created This Is Reading, a multi-media art installation at the once-abandoned Franklin Street Train Station in Reading, PA. Dance, theater, music and film filled the station with excitement, energy and people – more than 3400 people. The three-weekend run drew its audience from all parts of the city and beyond. They came separately, they enjoyed together!

Now, 5 years later, as I look back on the impact of this amazing project, I am giddy and grateful. This Is Reading spawned new life and new activity throughout our community. The most obvious impact is that the abandoned train station is now home to a thriving microbrewery and restaurant. And, the work Lynn did to create This Is Reading gave rise to the birth of her second Pulitzer prize-winning play, SWEAT, through which the story of Reading’s past (and many other communities like it) was shared across our country, not just our county.

Yet, there is a more subtle, albeit deeper impact – optimism and hopefulness are palpably present. And, I believe they have inspired a Reading Renaissance – a re-birth, in the truest sense. Because Lynn, through This Is Reading, embraced our community as an old friend who saw who we are and what we could be – we are better for it. Wanting to commemorate this auspicious anniversary, ReadingFilmFEST is proud to present, THIS IS READING – Revisited during this year’s festival:

Sunday, October 30, 3:00pm: Screening of This Is Reading, an exciting film version of the performance from 2017; Miller Center for the Arts at RACC; followed by conversation with Lynn Nottage and Tony Gerber and Santo D. Marabella; $20 ticket; free to FEST VIP pass holders

Sunday, October 30, 7pm: Closing Night Celebration following the award ceremony and reception, featuring original performers from This Is Reading; GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Room 428

If you missed the original, you’ll definitely want to see Revisited; and if you experienced the original, come back for an encore! Santo D. Marabella, Producer, This Is Reading, Marabella Enterprises