We believe the arts are an avenue to the sacred. Our permanent art collection challenges, comforts and inspires, with exhibits throughout the program year. Our extraordinary music program, Literary Witnesses series and other offerings bring the arts into daily life at Plymouth.
The Lines That Got Me Here
Artist: Melodee Strong
September 10 – December 31, 2023
The Lines That Got Me Here is a follow-up exhibition from last year’s “Lineas de Sangre” (Bloodlines). While I continue to examine and reflect on my experiences growing up as a “mixed” girl in Minnesota, a year later, I am in a different place. Our story doesn’t begin at birth. It’s a continuation through the bloodlines of our parents- their history and trauma unfold within us and around us through our upbringing. The choice of where to raise a family also contributes to our identity and culture. Through my reflective writings, recordings, research, and sketches I have come to the conclusion that solely creating work about my race was not enough. I needed to examine the traditions and beliefs that collided together from two completely different cultures to shape who I am.
“The Lines That Got Me Here” chronicles many aspects of my lineage- stories about abandonment and loss, alcoholism and dependency, assimilation, and racism. It also embodies my lineage from the Andes of Peru and the cobble streets of Lima to the dirt roads and poplar trees of Minnesota where all lines have converged to bring me where I am now. The linear experiences prepare and lead me to the path ahead of me. I stand here with my ancestors, with my parents, and with God.
This exhibition is just one personal story within a vast collection of experiences by others from within the diverse culture of immigrants and first-generation Latin Americans. It speaks about a journey navigating through a rural (mostly white
American) upbringing while still trying to preserve my Peruvian heritage, maintaining a pride of who I am and where I come from. These are the lines that got me here.
Theater 45°
Plymouth is home to a professional theater group and produces many plays, readings and events throughout the year.
The Purpose of Theater 45° is to use the theatrical experience to deepen the many facets of being human. We intend to present stories that engage the spiritual side of the human person regardless of — but not ignoring — religious experience. These stories are rooted in questions and not answers. As a community of storytellers and story-receivers, we strive to give an experience of collaboration, intersectionality, and valuing and honoring the many voices that get pushed to the margins. We will present stories that are meant to nurture transformation and deepen how we navigate our encounters with those that we may consider to be others.
October 2
7 p.m.
Leipzig, Germany — 1722. Johann Kuhnau, revered organist of the Thomaskirche, suddenly dies, leaving his coveted post vacant. The town council invites musicians to audition for the coveted position, among them the unknown Johann Sebastian Bach. In an age where musicians depend on patronage from the nobility or the church to pursue their craft, the post at a prominent church in a cultured city is a near guarantee of fame and fortune–which is why some of the candidates are willing togo to any lengths to secure it. BACH AT LEIPZIG by Itamar Moses is a fugue-like farcical web of bribery, blackmail, and betrayal set against the backdrop of timeless and timely questions about art, craft, and Creation.
Directed by Emilia Seay Allen, featuring Philip Brunelle on organ.
Arrive early to hear music of Bach’s era, performed by renowned organist Philip Brunelle, half an hour before the reading.
Featuring some of the area’s best actors: John Catron, Kurt Kwan, John Middleton, Sherwin Resurreccion, James Rodriguez and Will Sturdivant!
Music
Plymouth’s extraordinary music program is under the direction of the internationally renowned Phillip Brunelle. Learn more.
Literary Witnesses
Embroideries/Needlers
Plymouth is home to magnificent embroideries. These huge artworks were designed by British artist Pauline Baynes and created by The Needlers, a multi-generational fellowship group, active at Plymouth for more than 40 years.