DANCE FOR DANCE 2014

A Benefit to support and celebrate
MDDF’s Dance and Literacy programs
in New York City Public Schools

Honoring Judith Malina

Presented by Olympia Dukakis

Press Representative: Audrey Ross

Flamboyant Theatre at Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center
107 Suffolk Street
November 14, 2014
www.markdegarmoarts.org

At last night’s fundraiser, Ms. Judith Malina, co-founder of the radical, experimental Living Theatre Company, was presented with the Mark DeGarmo & Dancers/Dynamic Forms (MDDF) Lifetime Achievement Award for Educational Vision.

The evening began with Mark DeGarmo welcoming the audience and stating the two reasons for tonight’s event: to honor the legendary Judith Malina; and to benefit the arts and dance programs in underserved New York City schools. We were given a sample of Mr. DeGarmo’s choreography as students entered the stage and performed an MDDF piece. Mr. DeGarmo then introduced Nicky Paraiso of LaMama, who served as the lively, theatrical master of ceremonies, and broke out into song before introducing Ms. Olympia Dukakis.

Ms. Dukakis, Oscar winner for Moonstruck, praised Ms. Malina for her vision and daring work and read heartfelt letters from Anjelica Huston and Al Pacino. Ms. Malina’s passion and political messages on educating young people is as strong at 88 years of age as it was when she first started Living Theatre Company.

Attendees were treated to a tasty buffet table, wine and beer and an array of silent auction items to bid on.

- Gloria Talamas -