GOING TO THE RIVER was founded in 1999 by Elizabeth Van D**e and the late Curt Dempster for the purpose of developing new work, providing a ‘home base’, and bringing attention to initially African-American and ultimately all female playwrights of color. GTTR’s home is at EST & other major venues in New York City. The primary goal of GOING TO THE RIVER is to provide a major New York City forum in w
hich professional female playwrights of color may develop, refine and present their work, bringing wider exposure to many writers currently overlooked and under produced in the American Theatre. The centerpiece of GOING TO THE RIVER is an annual festival. The program includes staged readings of new plays by emerging and established playwrights, main-stage productions, a Festival of Short Plays, a Festival of Solo pieces, panels, workshops, distinguished guest speakers and a River Writers Unit that meets monthly and provides a place in which to share and further perfect the work within a community of fellow playwrights; moderated and lead by a trained Dramaturge. Past GOING TO THE RIVER Festivals and events have included playwrights: Pearl Cleage, Regina Taylor, J. Franklin, P.J. Gibson, Cassandra Medley, Kia Corthron, Bridgette Wimberly, France-Luce Benson, Cori Thomas, Lynn Nottage, Kara Lee Corthron, Naveen Bahar Choudhury, Desi Moreno-Penson, Mirnalini Kamath, Lydia Diamond, Nan Ewing Nelson, Petronia Paley, and the late Ruby Dee. GOING TO THE RIVER is lead by an African-American woman who is committed to advocating for women playwrights of color and women Directors and Designers.
