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Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of “Theatre Exile” and honoring Joe Canuso who help found and developed Theatre Exile and continues to contribute to the Philadelphia cultural environment today.
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WHEREAS, In 1996 Theatre Exile founder Joe Canuso and Trish Kelly, along with a band of artists, looked to rattle the gates of mainstream theatre; and
WHEREAS, Theatre Exile is a non-profit Theatre company dedicated to enhancing the cultural experiences of Philadelphians through the staging of works that engage the imagination. They produced- challenging plays that explore the complexities of the human condition and contain a sense of Philadelphia’s grit and passion. They strive to reach new Theatre audiences throughout the community by presenting both new works as well as established plays that are often re-interpreted in original ways; and
WHEREAS, They believe in freedom of expression formulated through innovation, exploration and provocation. At the same time, they provide a safe and creative environment in which local artists can grow, experiment and find their own voice; and
WHEREAS, Theatre Exile produces a three-show season with both world and regional premieres, and introduces new voices to the Philadelphia theatre landscape each year; and
WHEREAS, Theatre Exile produces a new play development program (Studio X-hibition), and works with local youth through their educational programs, including their program in the schools called Paper Wings. This program encourages underserved students to write about their world, and to discover their voices through the art of theatre; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2008, Theatre Exile moved into their current home on 1340 S. 13th street. This building houses their administrative offices and Studio X, their rehearsal/development/ performance studio, thus becoming the only professional producing theatre in South Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Theatre Exile underwent a planned leadership transition, as Founding Artistic Director, Joe Canuso, stepped away from the theatre's day-to-day operations to focus solely on artistic endeavors. Long time Co-Artistic Director, Deborah Block, assumed the position of Producing Artistic Director. This marked an organizational shift for Theatre Exile, as they repositioned themselves toward a more sustainable future model, with a deeper focus on their artistic goals, a strong commitment to the development of new plays, and deeper engagement with their community; and
WHEREAS, Theatre Exile, now in its 20th year, continues to be a beacon of the arts culture in the City of Philadelphia and has become a Philadelphia cultural institution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize the 20th Anniversary of Theatre Exile and honor Joe Canuso for his many contributions to Philadelphia’s cultural fabric.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joe Canuso and Theatre Exile as further evidence of the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body.
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