Carole Brzozowski wants to connect the dots between performing arts, the Syracuse community and the human condition. Though lofty, she said she believes it's possible.
Brzozowski spoke to several dozen Syracuse residents at the Westcott Community Center on Sunday about a project she supports as Syracuse University's performing arts presenter. The project, "Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo," is a documentary theater performance inspired by Syracuse Congolese refugee Cyprien Mihigo.
As arts presenter, Brzozowski commissioned playwright and director Ping Chong's theater company and collaborated with Kyle Bass of Syracuse Stage. Together, they amplified the stories of refugees, told by local voices. "Cry for Peace" received attention across the globe from Belgium to New York City.
Brzozowski said she knew why.
"When you think these things are just a short-term project — an interesting idea, a way to connect to people, a gift to give the community and a gift to take back for yourself," she said, "there are lots of people that we're connected to all over the world that are watching, and they're giving us opportunities to make a bigger statement."
Brzozowski discussed "Cry for Peace" as a catalyst for future projects during the Westcott Community Center's University Neighbors Lecture Series. She shared her vision for Arts Engage, the new Office of the SU Performing Arts Presenter. She is connecting SU's performing arts programs to the world. She wants to promote Chancellor Nancy Cantor's goal of socially conscious art. Brzozowski also discussed her personal commitment to the community, current performing art projects and future initiatives — soliciting ideas from the crowd.
Brzozowski said she has handled crowds before. In her 35 years of experience working for SU, she's been a secretary and a dean. She took her current position after eight years as dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. As a lifelong resident of the city and first-generation college student, she's experienced Syracuse's potential firsthand. At 7 years old, she sang her debut solo at Elmwood Church. Later on she sang with the Syracuse Symphony.
Brzozowski said she now feels a sense of obligation to the arts community.
"Part of my job is to think about ways to support the legacy of performing arts in Syracuse," she said.
To that end, she's planned several upcoming projects. They include a dance along the Connective Corridor, a performance by San Francisco's Diablo Ballet at the Landmark Theatre and a visit by the Australian group Oracle to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring."
Regarding future projects, Brzozowski turned to the crowd. She solicited their ideas, she said, because the university wants to work together.
"We're neighbors," she said. "The more community partners the better, especially in generating ideas and action."
Michael Flusche, 70, spoke up. He pointed to the global focus of "Cry for Peace" and asked if future projects could focus on a more pressing local issue, such as public education. A few attendees interjected, pointing to the large refugee population in Syracuse as a pertinent local issue. The diverse crowd of retirees, students and refugees murmured in agreement.
Later, Flusche, a retired SU history professor, repeated that he would like to see Arts Engage take on the "appalling graduation rates" and other issues in city schools.
"What is the dynamic that leads to such depressing success rates?" he asked.
Another attendee, Annie Marshall, a senior majoring in biology at SU, said she appreciated the dialogue Brzozowski offered.
"She addressed the concern of what's going on in the community here versus pulling in a project about what's going on in Congo. But it was important that people spoke up ... about the population of refugees in Syracuse," Marshall said.
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