The New York-based ensemble Universes mixes poetry, storytelling, original songs and adaptations of popular tunes to create a unique theater experience that the group hopes will not only capture the attention of audiences, but will also drive folks to make a difference in the world around them.
In "Ameriville," part of this year's Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Universes uses the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the city of New Orleans to shed light on issues of race, poverty and politics in America.
As you listen to Mildred Ruiz, a founding member of Universes, sing, "The Lord told Noah to build him an arky, arky," you may get lost in the power of her voice or in nostalgia, remembering how you sang that song in church as a child.
But as soon as you've let your guard down, Ruiz hits you with the line, "But where was Noah when the levees started breaking." In an instant, Ruiz has morphed a playful children's song into a heartbreaking hymn about an American tragedy.Click here to read the rest of the story, published in the Courier-Journal March 3, 2009.
