A Collaboration of Art and Theater in Ossining

This month, a collaboration between Ossining arts groups demonstrates that one artistic discipline can enhance the development of another. Art and theater converge during “Living Art,” a 90-minute event that takes place on four consecutive weekends, from March 2 through 24. During the event, a docent-led tour introduces guests to twenty-five artworks created by members of Ossining Arts Council. Six of these works encouraged the creation of one-act plays by members of Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT). When the tour group reaches one of these six works, the play that it inspired will be acted out on the spot by an ensemble of WCT actors. For instance, an oil painting of the shore at City Island inspired a play about a tender moment between dating college students as they watch the sun rise; and a ceramic work that depicts a naked woman carved with minimal lines inspired the story of a woman who is struggling with her body’s transformation during her pregnancy. Playwrights include C.J. Ehrlich, Howard Lipson, Evelyn Mertens, Angelo Parra, Pat O’Neill and Jane Ann Valentine. A tour and performance on March 15 is a “buy one ticket, get one free” special. For more info, visit ossiningartscouncil.org and wctheater.org.

A version of this article first appeared in the March issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.