Denver, CO - Home is where the heart is, but it's not the only place where the art is. A major theatrical event coming up in Denver will highlight the connection between the arts and fighting homelessness. It's a problem that Randle Loeb of Denver spent years battling. He says writing poetry was one of the tools he used to rebuild his life.
"It's a conduit for health and well-being; it's a way of working out issues."
Selections of Loeb's poetry will be read at a reception before the Denver premiere of "3 Mo' Divas" at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on May 9. The performance is a benefit for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
Loeb, who sits on the group's governing board, believes the arts are also an important way to remind people that homelessness is a challenge for the entire community, not just for the individuals without homes.
"It's a family problem; it's a social problem; it's not a problem of just one person. As long as we forget that these people are all connected to someone, we're missing the whole point."
Loeb has written a play and poetry dealing with the issue based on his own experiences and those of others he has known.
Joe Ptacek, CCH vice president of resource development, says the arts can help the public get beyond old stereotypes to understand homelessness through personal stories of those who have lived it. He hopes Loeb's writing will get the audience to see a more "realistic and comprehensive view that includes women and children" and not just panhandlers.
Tickets and information are available online at www.coloradocoalition.org.
People who buy $125 tickets for the reception and "3 Mo' Divas" benefit performance will be guaranteed tickets for the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jersey Boys," to be presented in December 2008.
