Old Globe to host panel on affordable housing

By Vince Meehan | SDUN Reporter

(l – r) The Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and “Bethany” Director Gaye Taylor Upchurch (Photo by Kelly Boyle)

A panel titled “At Home in San Diego? The Question of Affordable Housing” will be held for all who wish to attend on Monday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. The event will include Interim Mayor Todd Gloria, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation Susan Riggs, and Senior Vice President of Real Estate for the San Diego Housing Commission Debbie Ruane. These panelists will discuss the issue of affordable housing in San Diego, and how it impacts our residents.

This forum will coincide with the opening of The Old Globe’s production of “Bethany,” a powerful new play that takes on the issue of affordable housing in America. Written by Laura Marks, the play follows the plight of two main characters whose lives cross as they search for manageable rent.

“Laura Marks’ play uses the theater to examine an important national issue: the crisis in affordable housing,” the Globe’s Artistic Director Barry Edelstein said. “We’re thrilled to host a special forum on that topic in conjunction with the show, and we’re honored to welcome Interim Mayor Todd Gloria and other leaders on the housing issue to the Globe to help our audience learn more, and to better serve our community through our art.”

Edelstein added that having the panel at The Old Globe fulfills an original purpose of theater that goes back to ancient Greece.

“The Greek theater not only provided the people with entertainment, but served as a civic forum as well,” Edelstein said. “Since The Old Globe Theatre is a part of Balboa Park, and supported by public funds, I think it is very appropriate that we host the panel here.”

The idea for the event was conceived by members of the production, as well as the San Diego Housing Commission, as a way to address the very real issues that affect many people in California. At the forum, the public will not only be encouraged to ask questions, but also to engage in the discussion as a way to encourage new ideas and possible solutions.

“This event is going to be non-partisan and none of the speakers will have an agenda or axe to grind,” Edelstein said. “Everybody is welcome, and we look forward to serving the community with a robust and healthy discussion.”

For more information, visit theoldglobe.org.