Uniting Hockey Fans Across North America
Expanding the Hockey Footprint
The PWHL Takeover Tour is set to span a vast area, with games contested from the Pacific Northwest to Québec City and down to Raleigh, N.C. Only Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, which witnessed a remarkable U.S. professional women’s hockey attendance record of 13,736, will host a neutral-site game in the League’s second season. This shows the League’s commitment to bringing hockey to different parts of North America and engaging with a wider audience.Bringing hockey to these diverse locations is not just about expanding the League’s reach; it’s about creating a sense of unity among hockey fans. The enthusiasm from cities eager to host PWHL games is a testament to the growing popularity of women’s hockey. As Amy Scheer, PWHL Senior Vice President of Business Operations, said, “Bringing PWHL games to fans across both countries is a natural next step as we continue building our audience.”Teams and Game Participation
The nine games will be played over 84 days starting from Jan. 5, 2025. All six PWHL teams will get the chance to shine, with the Montréal Victoire and Ottawa Charge playing in four games each. The Boston Fleet and Minnesota Frost will appear in three games, while the New York Sirens and Toronto Sceptres will participate in two. This ensures that every team has a significant role to play in the Takeover Tour and allows fans from different regions to support their favorite teams.Each team’s participation adds a unique flavor to the Tour. The Montréal Victoire and Ottawa Charge, with their strong presence in the East, will bring a different energy to the games. The Boston Fleet and Minnesota Frost, from the North and Midwest respectively, will showcase the diversity of the PWHL. And the New York Sirens and Toronto Sceptres, representing the East Coast, will add to the excitement with their local fan bases.Making Tickets Accessible
Tickets for the PWHL Takeover Tour will be available starting with presales on Thursday, Nov. 21, followed by the general on-sale on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. (local time). Fans can purchase tickets at thepwhl.com/tickets, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to witness the thrilling action on the ice.This accessibility is crucial for the growth of women’s hockey. By making tickets available to a wider audience, the PWHL is not only increasing its fan base but also inspiring the next generation of hockey players. It shows that women’s hockey is not just a niche sport but a mainstream entertainment option.In conclusion, the PWHL Takeover Tour is a game-changer for women’s hockey. It expands the League’s reach, engages fans from different regions, and provides a platform for teams to showcase their skills. With tickets now available, fans have the chance to be a part of this exciting moment in hockey history.Experience the Thrilling Reinvention of Romeo and Juliet
About the Production
This international production was originally crafted by The 7 Fingers, also known as Les 7 Doigts de la main from Montréal, Québec, in collaboration with Virgin Voyages. Director Shana Carroll, the co-Founder and Artistic Director of The 7 Fingers, was the co-choreographer (with a Tony Award nomination) and circus designer for "Water for Elephants" on Broadway. The one-act, nonstop production is a spectacle that will truly astonish all who experience it. It awakens your sense of wonder and infuses a story of betrayal, intrigue, and doomed love with physical feats and literal leaps of grace. Critics have hailed it as "entertaining, gratifying, and a fantastic experience" (Berkeley Beacon).Duel Reality has toured the world and now brings its signature flair and acrobatic magic to Washington, DC for just three weeks. It is a thrilling experience for all ages and perfect for the heady days of summer.
Ticket Information
Tickets for "Duel Reality" are priced from $35 to $106 and are on sale now. For more information, please visit ShakespeareTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 202.547.1122.The Creative Team
Joining Shana Carroll on the creative team are musical director and composer Colin Gagné, lighting designer Alexander Nichols, costume designer Camille Thibault-Bédard, production director Maude St-Pierre, technical director Simon Carrière, technical coordinator Audrey Belzile, assistant to the Artistic Director Anna Kichtchenko, acrobatic coach Francisco Cruz, tour manager Pauline Baud-Guillard, technical director/sound Delphine Quenneville, rigger Benoit Rouillard, and LX operators Florent Patou.About Shakespeare Theatre Company
For over 35 years, the Tony Award-winning Shakespeare Theatre Company has been renowned as the nation's premier classical theater. They tell vital stories in audacious forms, stories that are Shakespearean in the deepest sense, even if they are not written by Shakespeare. Their productions stage epic stories in exhilarating style.Uniting Art and Solidarity in Havana
Historical Significance of the Havana Biennial
The Havana Biennial holds a special place in the international art scene. It has served as a space for confrontation and reflection, dedicated to researching, disseminating, and recognizing the visual arts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This biennial foundation's mission is to bring these diverse art forms to the forefront and foster a global dialogue through art.Throughout history, the Havana Biennial has been a platform for artists to showcase their talents and challenge the status quo. It has become a symbol of cultural exchange and solidarity, bringing together artists from different parts of the world to share their stories and perspectives.
By highlighting the works of artists from the Global South, the Havana Biennial challenges the dominance of Euro-centric art and promotes a more inclusive and diverse art world.
Samia Halaby's Artistic Journey and Censorship
Samia Halaby's artistic practice has been marked by significant events. Her work was censored by her alma mater, Indiana University, due to pressure from Zionist political forces. In February 2023, her planned exhibit at the university was suspended because of her outspoken support for Palestine.This censorship serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by artists who dare to speak out on political and social issues. Halaby's case highlights the importance of freedom of expression in the art world and the need to support artists who use their work to advocate for justice and equality.
However, the showing of Halaby's artwork in Cuba is a powerful statement. It underscores Cuba's historical tradition of deep ties with Palestine and its commitment to solidarity. Cuba has trained Palestinian doctors at its medical schools, demonstrating its unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
Halaby's Submissions to the Biennial
Halaby's submission to this year's Biennial is a diverse and significant collection. It includes a new painting titled "Organize, Reorganize, Build, Win," as well as four other iconic works: "Brass Woman" (1996/2019), "Yafa" (1996/2019), "Folding 8" (1987), and "Lines 4" (1987).Each of these works reflects Halaby's unique artistic vision and her commitment to social and political issues. Her paintings are a visual representation of her experiences and her beliefs, and they offer a powerful message to the world.
In addition to her paintings, Halaby has also submitted a film documenting her painting "Worldwide Intifadah" (1989). This film was brought to Havana for the Third Havana Biennial in 1989 but was not exhibited. Its inclusion in this year's Biennial is a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing artistic works that have been overlooked or suppressed.
Halaby's Perspective on Art and the Working Class
Halaby emphasizes the importance of involving the working class in art. She believes that instead of the artist taking their work to the working class, the working class brings their art to the artist through their revolutionary movements.For Halaby, art is the creativity of the community inspired by the most revolutionary workers. The Cuban Revolution has taught her this lesson, and it is evident in the artwork she produces. Her art is a reflection of the struggles and aspirations of the working class, and it serves as a source of inspiration for others.
By highlighting the role of the working class in art, Halaby challenges the traditional notions of art and its place in society. She shows that art can be a powerful tool for social change and that artists have a responsibility to engage with the world around them.