Part of it is because of art speak, which itself is elitist and intimidating. It sends a message that art is not relevant to their lives. What we re trying to do here is reach the community to teach them it can enrich them just as literature, the theater, movies do. It opens up views into other minds, other worlds, to which they wouldn t otherwise have access. As we enter the 21st century we are becoming more and more consumed with material issues.
Art is an antidote to the materialism that is so rampant.
That s not to say that art, like literature, doesn t take a bit of work. It s generally not a passive experience. There s a whole range, you see. We want to make challenging art accessible, but at the same time we want to do shows that are relevant to people. I think we need art more than ever now.