Ai Weiwei with Mira Jacob
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 • 7PM
Ai Weiwei with Mira Jacob
Ted Lambert, Executive Director
Jeff Mann, Marketing Director
Alex Koveos, Sr. Digital Media Manager
Melay Araya, Artistic Director
Gloria Lee, Programming Manager
Carl Acampora, Production Manager
Dennis Rakauckas, Graphic Designer
“Expressing oneself is part of being human. To be deprived of a voice is to be told you are not a participant in society; ultimately it is a denial of humanity.” -- Al Weiwei
Perhaps there is no more fitting venue for Al Weiwei, tonight’s guest than The Town Hall. In 1921, The League of Political Education opened the building with the watchwords:
“ It does not matter who you are, what you are or from where you come, you are welcome.”
The early twentieth century Town Hall aimed “to promote good citizenship, social justice and general enlightenment through the education and expression of public opinion ...” In that spirit–some one hundred years later–we are delighted to welcome Al Weiwei and Mira Jacob to carry on our tradition.
While tradition plays an important role in the Hall, like everything in New York, we are constantly adapting to meet the future. Tonight it is my honor to greet you as the newly elected President of the Town Hall Foundation, the non-profit organization that upholds our tradition, preserves our landmarked auditorium and brings you exciting Town Hall Presents events like our programming tonight. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, and our incredible staff of professionals, I echo the sentiments of our founders and assure you that you are always welcome here.
Nevin Steinberg
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei interweaves ancient Chinese folklore with stories of his life, family, art career, and activism for global human rights. Over the years, PEN America has come to Ai Weiwei’s defense as his art and criticism of the Chinese Communist Party has brought him under attack by the Chinese government, including detention. He now lives in exile in Europe.
“From personal experience as an artist who has been persecuted for criticizing the state, Ai Weiwei has a deep understanding of why creative and free expression matters so deeply,” said Jared Jackson, director, Literary Programs and Emerging Voices at PEN America. “We feel privileged to bring this conversation to New Yorkers who value his artistry and the sacrifices he has made to continue to make art and speak out on behalf of artists and others who are persecuted for their beliefs.”
Melay Araya, artistic director of The Town Hall, said: “From Diego Rivera to James Baldwin to Miriam Makeba, The Town Hall has been a place for artists from around the world to not only share their craft, but their own personal stories and convictions. We’re excited to not only hear from Ai Wei Wei himself, but to see him express himself in a new medium.”
Ai Wei Wei’s memoir is both a personal history, an exploration of the political and social climate in which he makes art, his views on free expression, and what it means to express oneself through art.
The book has its roots in his childhood, when, living in exile through anti-intellectual political movements, he would find himself with nothing to read but government-approved comic books. Although works of political propaganda, the books gave Ai Weiwei a window into the artists’ ability to express their thoughts on art and humanity through graphic storytelling.
Mira Jacob is a novelist, memoirist, illustrator, and cultural critic. Her graphic memoir Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations was shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award, longlisted for the PEN Open Book Award, nominated for three Eisner Awards, and named a New York Times Notable Book, as well as a best book of the year by Time, Esquire, Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal. It is currently in development as a television series. Her novel The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing was a Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers pick, shortlisted for India’s Tata First Literature Award, longlisted for the Brooklyn Literary Eagles Prize and named one of the best books of 2014 by Kirkus Reviews, the Boston Globe, Goodreads, Bustle, and The Millions. Her writing and drawings have appeared in The New York Times Book Review, Electric Literature, Tin House, Literary Hub, Guernica, Vogue, and the Telegraph. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the MFA Creative Writing Program at The New School, and a founding faculty member of the MFA Writing Program at Randolph College.
ABOUT PEN AMERICA
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
We i nvi t e yo u t o s uppo r t the Hall a t a n y l evel , and e n j oy the exclusi ve bene fi ts of be coming a Tow n H all Me m be r.
Advance Ticket Access
Notification of Presale & Discounts for concerts and Events
Member Discounts at local restaurants
Access to PATRON CIRCLE SEATS
Reserved Seats to Town Hall Presents concerts and other select events ( with special pricing, when available )
Complimentary Tickets to select Town Hall Presents Shows & Events
Complimentary Tickets to Town Hall G ala
Special Invitations to Sound Check or Dress Rehearsal Seat Plaque in The Hall
Complimentary Advertisement in Town Hall G ala Journal
Invitations to an Artist Meet & Greet
fter a select Town Hall Presents Concert
All Members Receive Special Recognition in Town Hall Programs
Photo: © Sachyn Mital
THE TOWN HALL FOUNDATION
The Town Hall’s mission is to provide affordable world-class entertainment by new and established artists to a diverse audience; to inspire the youth of our community to appreciate and participate in the arts at The Town Hall and in schools through our Education Outreach Program; and to preserve and enhance The Town Hall as a historic landmark venue for the enjoyment and cultural enrichment of generations to come.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESIDENT
Nevin Steinberg
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Tom Wirtshafter
Marvin Leffler
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Susan Zohn
VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
Ellen Miller-Wachtel
TRUSTEES
Teniola Adedipe
Anne Frank-Shapiro
Frederick Gabriel
Gita Gupte
John A. Jenkins
Natalie Wexler
James Shackelford
Madhu Southworth
LIFE TRUSTEES
Phyllis Putter Barasch
Mary Dettling-Wright
Alfred H. Horowitz
Bruce S. Leffler
VICE PRESIDENT
Rita Robbins
TREASURER
Tom Wirtshafter
SECRETARY
Timothy Stambaugh
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Kathleen Rosenberg, Chair
Nancy Berman
Sandy Horowitz
Elizabeth Iannizzi
Candace Leeds
Zita Rosenthal
Rhoda Rothkopf
ARTS IN EDUCATION
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Michael Fram, Co-Chair
Dr. Eloise Messineo, Co-Chair
Barbara Murray
Dr. Pola Rosen
George Young
THE TOWN HALL STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ted Lambert
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Melay Araya
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Jeff Mann
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Helen Morris
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Donna Banks, PhD
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Taione Martinez
DIRECTOR OF BOOKING AND EVENTS
Paul Cameron Hardy
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Bill Dehling
SR. DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
Alex Koveos
PROGRAMMING MANAGER
Gloria Lee
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Britni Montalbano
BOX OFFICE MANAGER
Angel Rodriguez
CHIEF ENGINEER
Steve Franqui
HOUSE MANAGER
Johnny Lee Green
WARNING
The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside the theatre without the written permission of the management is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for monetary damages.
FIRE NOTICE
The exit indicated by a red light and sign nearest to the seat you occupy is the shortest route to the street. In the event of fire or other emergency please do not run, WALK TO THAT EXIT. Thoughtless persons annoy patrons and endanger the safety of others by lighting matches or smoking in prohibited areas during the performances and intermissions. This violates a city ordinance and is punishable by law.
-FIRE COMMISSIONER
DIRECTORY OF THEATRE SERVICES
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 212.997.1003
Mon-Fri 9:30 am to 5 pm, for rental & membership info
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LOST AND FOUND: 212.997.0113
CELL PHONE POLICY
Cell phones should be silenced prior to the performance as a courtesy to the performers and audience.
LOBBY REFRESHMENT BY Theatre Refreshment Company of NY
MAJOR GIFTS, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Town Hall’s Education Outreach Program is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. The Centennial Concert Series is funded, in part, by Howard Gilman Foundation. We would like to thank the following foundations, corporations, and government institutions for their support:
American Portfolios
Bank of America
Bob Dylan Center
Broadhaven Capital Partners
Consolidated Edison Company of New York
The Durst Organization
The Hearst Foundations, Inc.
The Hyde & Watson Foundation
The IV Fund
Edythe Kenner Foundation
Gund Investment Corporation
National Endowment for the Arts
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
New York State Council on the Arts
Henry Nias Foundation
Howard Gilman Foundation
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
New York City Council Member Keith Powers
New York City Council Member Gale Brewer
New York City Council Member Julie Menin
New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse
New York City Council Member Kalman Yeger
NYC Dept. Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo
S&P Global
The Shubert Foundation
Ticketmaster
TOUR THE HISTORIC TOWN HALL
As of Sep 08, 2022
Town Hall has played an integral part in the electrifying cultural fabric of New York City for more than 90 years. A group of Suffragists’ fight for the 19th Amendment led them to build a meeting space to educate people on the important issues of the day. During its construction, the 19th Amendment was passed, and on January 12, 1921 The Town Hall opened its doors and took on a double meaning: as a symbol of the victory sought by its founders, and as a spark for a new, more optimistic climate. In 1921, German composer Richard Strauss performed a series of concerts that cemented the Hall’s reputation as an ideal venue for musical performances. Since, Town Hall has been home to countless musical milestones: The US debuts of Strauss, and Isaac Stern; Marian Anderson’s first New York recital; in 1945, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker introduced bebop to the world; Bob Dylan’s first major concert in ‘63; and much much more.
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Thanks for putting art in the heart of the community
Bank of America recognizes The Town Hall for its success in bringing the arts to performers and audiences throughout the community e commend you on creating an opportunity for all to enjoy and share a cultural experience. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.
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