UPDATE Connecticut’s congressional delegation today applauded $1,053,800 in grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support several projects in the state, including one in Westport.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers said: “The arts play a vital, valuable role in our communities—enriching our neighborhoods and attracting visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage and modern artistic scene that Connecticut has to offer. These awards are a wise investment, and will encourage many across the state to learn, create, and engage.”
A $25,000 grant went to the Westport Country Playhouse to support a production of Ayad Akhtar’s “The Invisible Hand” with a community engagement initiative.
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is an independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts.
In an announcement Thursday, the Playhouse said the grant will support its community engagement initiative, “Money, Power and Belief: Reflections on ‘The Invisible Hand,’” which will run concurrently with the Playhouse production of “The Invisible Hand,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar this summer.
It said “The Invisible Hand” is the riveting tale of Nick Bright, an American financial analyst being held hostage in Pakistan, who is given a year to raise his own ransom using his market expertise. As the relationship between Nick and his captors evolves, long-standing views on money and religion are challenged and lives are inextricably altered, the Playhouse said.
“Money, Power and Belief: Reflections on ‘The Invisible Hand’” will offer a number of opportunities for the community to further explore the important social and political themes this thought-provoking and timely play grapples with, including global finance, global politics, faith, terrorism, power, greed, and corruption, the Playhouse said.
Featured events will include a book discussion group, film screening, an audience talk-back with the cast, and a series of post-show salons, the Playhouse said.
