zAmya Theater Project Announces Homeless Network Newz: Season 6
Friday, October 8, 2021 at 2:13PMVia an October 7 e-anouncement from zAmya Theater Project:
Virtual performances celebrate creativity and build awareness about housing justice, airing on Facebook and YouTube Live Nov. 4 - Dec. 16
zAmya Theater Project announces the sixth season of Homeless Network Newz, virtual creative performances highlighting stories, experiences and the creative contributions of people who have experienced homelessness. Homeless Network Newz Season 6 will be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook Live weekly on Thursdays at 7PM in November and December, starting November 4.
zAmya Theater Project builds understanding and connection between people who’ve experienced homelessness and those who have not. zAmya began creating Homeless Network Newz episodes with zAmya troupe members as a way of using storytelling to engage with each other during COVID-19 and create awareness about current issues facing people experiencing homelessness. zAmya aims to inspire people to advocate for short and long term solutions to the housing crisis in Minnesota. Learn more at zamyatheater.org/homeless-network-newz.
Episodes are directed by Esther Ouray and edited by Flo Razowsky. Hosted by Corey Walton, featuring troupe members Robert Blood, Marcia Barnes, Annette Bryant, Marvin Howard, Shannon Kemp, Caroline Mannheimer, Ken Moore, Christina Sayers, Sol Moran Sepulveda, and Tahiti Robinson.
In the first five seasons, zAmya Troupe members and guests shared reflections, interviews with community leaders, ideas, poems, heartfelt stories, hilarious sketches, current events and not-so-recent news (that often reflects the current news), the impact of COVID-19 on the community, police violence, and much more.
zAmya’s three-year residency on Nicollet Mall sponsored by Hennepin County Library moved online in early 2020, with Homeless Network Newz expanding into virtual workshops and performances, taking the place of in-person workshops and performances that would normally happen at the Minneapolis Central Library.
Homeless Network Newz Season 6 Broadcast Schedule
Episode 1: “The Best of HNN Part 1”
Nov. 4 @ 7:00 PM
Our favorite clips from Seasons 4 and 5. A little dancing, a lot of fun and laughter, a hilarious day at a summer (en)camp(ment), a ridiculous game of Jeopardy, and a few more surprises. Hosted by Corey Walton/ including guest artist Leah Nelson, Zamya troupe members, and friends Michael Walley and Thomas Strapp.
Episode 2: “The Best of HNN Part 2”
Nov. 11 @ 7:00 PM
A “weather report” on the climate of homelessness, a remembrance of George Floyd, a look at the first Black beauty pageant, youth homelessness, and a child’s point of view. Hosted by Corey Walton, including Zamya troupe members, and friend Christina Sayers, and Christina Woodlee from the Bridge for Youth.
Episode 3: “To Our Health”
Nov. 18 @ 7:00 PM
We dig into mental health and homelessness, diabetes, how some medical professionals are using theater to challenge the system, and art’s innate ability to heal. Hosted by Corey Walton, including Zamya troupe members, our friends from DHomes, and Campaign Against Racism.
Episode 4: “More Questions, Less Answers?”
Dec. 2 @ 7:00 PM
Do you have questions about housing? Unlawful detainers? Tenants’ rights? Where’s the rent party? Or what to do with all these vacant properties? Whose got some answers? Hosted by Corey Walton, including Zamya troupe members, and friends at Dorothy Day and David Jordahl of the CSR Direct Project.
Episode 5: “Home Street Home”
Dec. 9 @ 7:00 PM
A look at Free the Deeds, an art project bringing attention to the Franklin Ave. encampment, felonies, what a second chance is, and how policy can provide it. Hosted by Corey Walton, including Zamya troupe members and our friends at Dorothy Day.
Episode 6: “No one asked me but…”
Dec. 16 @ 7:00 PM
A theatrical reading of Nextdoor Neighbor, a new segment “That Grinds my Gears,” hot and bothered over climate change, the unique challenges faced by unhoused trans youth, what you wouldn’t do for a million dollars….and a surprise from the Zamya archives. Hosted by Corey Walton, including Zamya troupe members, friend Katie Burgess, and the thoughts of some of our neighbors.
Episodes are archived and available for viewing on Facebook, YouTube and zamyatheater.org.
zAmJam! Virtual Creative Workshops
Those interested in participating in the making of HNN episodes are invited to zAmya workshops. zAmya Theater hosts zAmJam! with Zamya in partnership with Hennepin County Library. This series of online workshops is for people who are unhoused, temporarily sheltered and allies who are ready to play! All are invited to participate.
Tuesdays, 2:30pm-4pm
Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6127604804
Contact Esther with questions at 612-720-4804 or esther@zamyatheater.org.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
About zAmya Theater Project
Since 2004 the zAmya Theater Project has been changing hearts and minds through performances and workshops in hundreds of Minnesota locations and with many partners including: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin Theater Trust, Southwest Minnesota Housing Project, The Guthrie Theater, Edina Reality, Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference, Basilica of St. Mary, Augsburg College, and more.
zAmya Theatre Project believes theater can change the narrative of homelessness. Our performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by our core artistic members. We share them because we know that if we want to unravel this crisis then we have to unravel the story. Informed by experienced advocates and direct service providers, zAmya is led by professional artists, and employs a core group of actors who’ve experienced homelessness to create the plays, co-facilitate workshops, and guide the direction of the company.
zAmya is a Sanskrit word that means “aiming at peace.” For zAmya, aiming at peace means aiming toward a community with safe, stable, affordable housing options for all. More info at zamyatheater.org.
