It was a tear jerker today, not so much on account of the story (well-played though it was) but because it turned out to be NYSTI's final ever performance. After 36 years bringing theatre to the Capital District, and especially to children and young people, the company has fallen victim to State budget cuts and must close its doors. The damp-eyed cast received a heartfelt standing ovation today.
State-level cuts this year have been alarming, and everyone says there's worse to come. Some might argue that the loss of a theatre here, a nature centre there is justifiable cost-cutting in these tough times. But State funding makes the Arts, environmental education and museums of history and culture accessible to all, not just a privileged few - and these are all institutions that add immeasurably to our ordinary lives. They give us a context, stretch our imaginations, inspire us, bring us joy.
Are they just frosting on the cake? Or are they the ingredients that make the cake worth eating?
Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. - George Bernard Shaw
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