DOWNTOWN URBAN THEATER FESTIVAL
DUTF is a two-week celebration of urban theatrical expression by a cross-section of playwrights and performing artists. With an inclusive, multicultural perspective, this annual event showcases theatrical works that echo the true spirit of urban life and speak to a whole new generation whose lives defy categorizing along conventional lines.
DUTF focuses on the playwright. At DUTF, we help playwrights bring their vision to the stage by giving them total control of their work. They are involved in all aspects of the theatrical work from staging and direction to casting and rehearsals. DUTF has been a catalyst for some of New York City's most vibrant and creative playwrights. Since its inception, DUTF has presented over 40 original theatrical works and has attracted more than 5,000 theatre-goers.
HISTORY
DUTF began in 2001 as a small grass roots effort to help revitalize the New York City Downtown arts scene, which was experiencing a severe downturn due to the World Trade Center disaster. The Here Arts Center in NYC, located just above Canal Street and a brief walk to the WTC, was selected as the site for the first festival. In its inaugural year, seven plays were presented during a one-week period in February 2002. Highlights of the festival included the critically-acclaimed Monk by Laurence Holder, Just Me by Helena D. Lewis, Urban Creed by Mayda del Valle, Louise (Escapes Her Life) by Jane Lippman, The Priestess And The Patriot/The Revival by Liza Jessie Peterson and Cabico & Cho Show by Regie Cabico and Aileen Cho. Today, DUTF features 12 new theatrical works: six shorts and six full-length plays. Monetary grants are awarded to the winners of the Best Play, Best Short and Audience Award categories. These awards acknowledge extraordinary works and assist in further development. In 2005, the festival was named one of "sixty of the world's best festivals of new works." (TheaterFestivals, Lisa Mulcahy, Allworth Press, 2005)
MISSION
The Downtown Urban Theater Festival's mission is to:
- Promote diversity in theater by showcasing urban theatrical expression;
- Foster the development of new works by a cross section of artists whose work is under-represented;
- Present theatrical works that provide a vibrant creative current that will make itself felt;
- Expand the horizons for both urban theater artists and their audiences who might not otherwise see these works; and
- Cultivate new urban audiences by making theater more affordable and accessible.
DUTF TEAM
CREATIVE AMMO INC. (PRESENTER)
Creative Ammo Inc. is about empowering the arts. Founded in 1998, this
tax-exempt nonprofit corporation was formed to educate the community
and provide charitable assistance to arts organizations. In 2001,
Creative Ammo received tax exempt status [501 (c)(3)] by the Internal
Revenue Service.
HONORARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Miguel Algarin (Founder, Nuyorican Poets Café)
Amiri Baraka (Poet/Playwright)
Daniel Banks (Co-Director, DNAWORKS)
Carl Hancock Rux (Playwright)
Woodie King, Jr. (Founder/Producing Director, New Federal Theatre)
Joie Lee (Actor/Screenwriter/Producer/Director)
Jorge Merced (Artistic Director, Pregones Theatre)
Bob Ost (President, Theater Resources Unlimited)
George C. Wolfe (Producer)
Click here for full history.
