Limelight on CitySpeak: CitySpeak Sparks Interest from the Media

By: Bobby Costanzo

The Interdisciplinary event CitySpeak, created by students and faculty from multiple departments of Worcester State University, has been the buzz of the city, after articles were published in several Worcester sources.

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s Bonnie Russell interviewed the Visual and Performing Art’s department chair and director of CitySpeak, Adam Zahler. Also interviewed was an actor and Worcester local Eddie Sanchez who expressed the goals of the event to Russell.

Another article came from Worcester Magazine and was written by Joshua Lyford.  Lyford got in depth with director Adam Zahler, talking about how CitySpeak was pieced together, included creativity from the students involved and how the devised piece worked as whole.

The importance of CitySpeak is the conversation. Opening the doors to interaction between those who live in a city and those who run the city. The coverage from Worcester Magazine, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, WSU News and the New Worcester Spy form just the beginning of the conversation.

Zahler’s schedule with the media looked similar to that of a movie star, especially when he added his third interview with Noah Goldfarb, a member of the New Worcester Spy. Goldfarb interviewed Zahler and Department chair for the Urban Studies Department, Thomas Conroy. Conroy and Zahler worked side by side, along with VPA Professor Sam O’Connell, throughout the development of this production, guiding the production toward completion and ensuring the use of the arts as a way to tell the story of the city.

In addition to the podcast, Mike Dery, writer for the New Worcester Spy, added his voice to the CitySpeak media buzz with “CitySpeak Catches Fire.”

Through hard work, collaboration and a TON of creativity, this theatrical piece created a fistful of buzz in the Worcester media and on April 7. 8, 9 and 10, the audiences will leave with ideas and plans to fix problems in their communities and overall make their communities better.

Make sure to see CitySpeak April 7-9 at 8 p.m. and April 10 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance by contacting the Box Office at 508-929-8843 or at VPABoxOffice@worcester.edu. Tickets are also available at the door.