© 2024 WEMU
Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

creative:impact - Connecting Art And Public Change

Courtesy Photo
/
Purple Rose Theatre

Perhaps one of the most difficult issues to discuss is domestic violence.  Michigan playwright Carey Crim authored the play "Never Not Once" and takes a deep dive into the emotional and personal issues dealt with the aftermath of such horrific crimes.  Artistic explorations, like this, can have a positive impact on how the public deals with such difficult issues.  That's the focus on this week's "creative:impact. " 

Deb Polich
Deb Polich, President and CEO of the Arts Alliance

Creative industries in Washtenaw County add hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.  In the weeks and months to come, 89.1 WEMU's David Fair and co-host Deb Polich, the President and CEO of The Arts Alliance, explore the myriad of contributors that make up the creative sector in Washtenaw County.

About "Never Not Once"

Eleanor, a biology major, brings her boyfriend Rob home to meet her two moms.  While there, she lets them know that she has hired a private investigator to help her find her biological father.  She says, as a scientist, she is curious about her genetics.  But it’s evident she might also just want to meet her dad.  Eleanor is sent on a journey to an unexpected and explosive answer to the question, “Where do I come from?”
 
“Never Not Once” explores a host of family dynamics and raises questions about issues that remain a secret within families.  The Purple Rose Theatre and SafeHouse Center understand that sexual assault and domestic violence happen here in our own community.  Please join us for a special post performance panel discussion following the Friday, March 8th show (International Women’s Day) to promote healthy conversations about abuse and to bring awareness to community members about all the programs and services that are available to survivors in Washtenaw County – for both women and men.  We believe that awareness and conversation can help us bring an end to the systems and attitudes that allow abuse to continue.
About Carey Crim

Carey Crim
Credit New Play Exchange / newplayexchange.org
/
newplayexchange.org
Carey Crim

Carey Crim is an award-winning New York based playwright and resident artist at The Purple Rose Theater Company.  Her newest play "Never Not Once" was the winner of the 2017 Jane Chambers award.  Her play, "Conviction (23.5 Hours)," premiered to critical acclaim at Bay Street Theatre starring Sarah Paulson, Garret Dillahunt and Elizabeth Reaser.  It then opened at The Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California where it was nominated for an Ovation award for best new play.  Her earlier works, "Growing Pretty," "Wake," and "Some Couples May… "all received world premieres at The Purple Rose Theatre Company.  

"Wake" received a West Coast Premiere at the SeaGlass Theatre in Los Angeles where it was a critic's pick.  Carey adapted it for the screen and the feature film will be released next year starring James Denton, Jo Koy and Myndy Crist.  Her latest play, "Morning After Grace," ran to sold out houses at The Purple Rose Theater Company starring Randolph (Randy) Mantooth.  It is slated to run in several more theatres next season including Asolo Repertory Theater and Royal Manitoba Theater Centre.  

She is a three-time finalist for Miami City Theater’s short play competition and won the competition in 2011.  She has been a finalist for The Heideman award and a three- time finalist in the Samuel French OOB festival.  Her work has received productions and/or workshops at Pasadena Playhouse, Primary Stages, Luna Stage, Asolo Rep Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Miami City Theatre, Rubicon Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and The Purple Rose Theatre Company.  Carey is a graduate of Northwestern University.

About Barbara Niess-May

Barbara Niess-May
Credit Courtesy Photo / Safehouse Center
/
Safehouse Center
Barbara Niess-May

As a strategic executive leader, my life passion focuses on leading mission-driven organizations that make a difference in the lives of the people in our communities.  My areas of expertise include strengthening non-profit organizations and state & federal agencies through sound staff and volunteer leadership, Board development, community engagement, fundraising, resource development and operational excellence.  My policy reform, activism and legislative advocacy work has made a significant impact in the lives of others.  Additionally, my passion for education is realized through teaching at Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan. 

 
My extensive education includes a Bachelors of Science in Political Science & Journalism from University of Evansville; a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Personnel Administration & Public Policy from University of Arkansas at Little Rock; and a Master of Social Work, Management & Community Practice with a concentration in Community Development & Public Policy from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I also am a proud recipient of multiple awards including the Arkansas Traveler Award, Leadership Award - Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Gold Medallion Award from Eastern Michigan University. 
 
Resources:

Purple Rose Theatre

"Never Not Once" at the Purple Rose Theatre

Carey Crim

Safehouse Center

Barbara Niess-May LinkedIn

Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support.  Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.

Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU.  You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu

Contact David: dfair@emich.edu
Related Content