This powerful new play by Joan Holden is based on the critically acclaimed
book of the same name by journalist Barbara Ehrenreich, chronicling her
„undercover‰ journey as a wage-earner in 3 different parts of the United
States, attempting to find shelter and sustenance on the minimum wage. Her
own trials and the stories of her fellow and sister workers are arrestingly
portrayed with all their comic and tragic moments, lighting up the widening
economic divide of our nation in stark relief. Community events are planned
to spark local discussion about the issues:
1. The Mark Taper Forum‚s post-play discussions, the Open Forums, will be
expanded to Wednesday evenings in addition to the traditional Tuesdays for
the run of „Nickel and Dimed.‰ Special guests will be drawn from from local
unions, universities, newspapers, radio, social justice organizations, and
arts organizations. Guests include Vivian Rothstein, executive director for
Santa Monicans for Responsible Tourism, Henry Walton, host of KPFK‚s
„Working L.A.,‰ Torie Osborn, executive director of Liberty Hill Foundation,
Virgil Roberts, chairman of the board of California Community Foundation,
and Madeline Janus-Aparicio, executive director of Los Angeles Alliance for
a New Economy. Following is a tentative schedule of topics:
September 24 and 25 minimum wage/living wage issues
October 1 and 2 affordable housing issues
October 8 and 9 education issues
October 15 and 16 healthcare issues
October 22 and 23 family and childcare issues
Discussions will begin immediately following the performances (at
approximately 10:35 p.m.) and are open to the general public.
2. Community Public Rush allows purchase of $12 tickets 2 hours before
performances on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, throughout the run of the
show. (This is in addition to our usual public rush.)
For more information, go to www.TaperAhmanson.org
<
http://www.TaperAhmanson.org>, and click on NICKEL AND DIMED, or call the
box office at 213-628-2772.