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MRT cast thanks Lowell officials; director says $20,000 NEA grant for a production was withdrawn
Summary
Representatives and cast members from Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) thanked city officials and described a production centered on Khmer experiences in Lowell. MRT's artistic director said the theater learned that a $20,000 NEA grant for the production had been withdrawn and thanked local supporters for stepping in.
Members of Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the cast of the play "What You Are Now," which is set in Lowell and centers Khmer experiences, appeared before the City Council to thank local officials and talk about the production.
Courtney Veil, MRT's Nancy L. Donahue Executive Artistic Director, said the theater has been developing work to broaden youth and Southeast Asian audiences and noted the company’s strategy to lift Khmer voices. She told the council the production is running through Sunday and thanked the city for helping with HVAC issues during opening weekend.
Veil said MRT had learned that a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant that had been awarded for the production was withdrawn. “We did learn Friday night that our NEA grant that was awarded for this production was withdrawn,” she said. Veil said trustees and community stakeholders would help make up the shortfall and that the notice highlighted the importance of local public support.
Cast members including Sonnie Brown and Joe Noe spoke about the importance of staging the work in Lowell and the play’s themes of deportation, intergenerational trauma and community reflection. Councilors praised the production and encouraged residents to attend.
There was no council action required; the appearance was ceremonial and to recognize the production and community commemoration events tied to Khmer history in Lowell.
