In addition to the teen-written and produced play, Escape Velocity will feature the art and music of more than 50 homeless teens, including a Claymation-style short film, a painted boat, original songs, 25 photographs, and about 40 drawings. The visual art, framed by a donation from the Jameson Gallery and reportedly already turning buyers’ heads downtown, will be available for sale, with all revenue going to the artists.
For the teens who have committed time and energy to Escape Velocity, the project itself has been an escape route, taking them away from the difficulties of the day-to-day and providing them an outlet to talk about how they’ve overcome some pretty bleak odds. “I escaped velocity,” says Zall. “This show says, ‘Hey, I did this. Now, what do you want to know about it?’”
Escape Velocity opening gala | with art exhibit + musical recordings + community dinner + stage performance | April 6, 6 pm | 173 Neal Street, just behind the Gulf station | Free | 207.775.0026 x117
On the Web
Preble Street Teen Center: www.preblestreet.org/youth.html
Email the author
Megan Grumbling: mgrumbling@hotmail.com
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