Each year, our Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) develop a project that addresses an environmental or social issue. This year, our interns chose to do a play. They have written an entire script, memorized their lines, created their own props and costumes, and are ready to perform for an audience!
The play, entitled “For the Love of the City,” explores various resources and places in San Francisco that aren’t always mentioned in tourist guidebooks. The youth developed a mission statement for the play: “Our YEL Project, For the Love of the City, informs the public about available resources in San Francisco and strives to spark positive changes through theater. Many people are unaware and do not take advantage of the resources that the city offers (e.g. art, parks, alternative methods of transportation, etc.). We will raise awareness about a changing San Francisco, about local developments and opportunities, and explore issues that have a direct impact on the residents of San Francisco.”
“There are so many more possibilities with theatre,” explains Kathleen Wong, a 2nd year intern, when asked why I-YEL chose to perform a play. “We can act things out, use video or music—we can fit a lot of things into a play.”
She also admits that creating a play from scratch has turned out to be much harder than the I-YEL team anticipated. “People don’t realize how much work goes into it,” she says. “There is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that people don’t see.”
But, she says the end product is definitely worth seeing. “It’s going to be a lot of fun!” she exclaims. “It’s a completely youth-created project. People tend to do the same things in San Francisco, so this is a chance to do something different on the weekend and come see our play. You might learn something about this city that you didn’t know before!”
Dates: Friday, July 12, 7pm; Saturday, July 13, 7pm; Sunday, July 14, 2pm
Location: Intersection for the Arts, 925 Mission St Suite 109, San Francisco
Tickets: $7 for adults, $5 for youth (no one turned away for lack of funds)
For advance ticket sales, contact Jie Chen at (415) 561-7766. All proceeds support youth programs at the Crissy Field Center.
