Miami-Dade County is taking a creative plunge with "The Way of Water—Miami," an outdoor theatrical event designed to celebrate and inform about the county's intricate water system, as well the employees who manage it. In what's described as a large-scale production at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, the show, organized by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, will shine a spotlight on the frontline personnel who play a vital part in safeguarding this resource. Featuring the real-life workers as main performers, the production is set for premier performances yesterday at 8 p.m. and a follow-up today, according to the show's announcement.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava celebrated the upcoming performances, acknowledging the staff's crucial role and expressing pride in their recognition. "Our dedicated County staff play a critical role as stewards of this important resource for our entire community, and I am delighted to see their daily efforts recognized and celebrated on stage," Mayor Levine Cava told Miami-Dade County News.
This production falls under Mayor Levine Cava’s Arts Energize 305 initiative, which aims to increase art access and involve populations often overlooked by the cultural conversation. It intends not just to entertain but to educate and spur action on the part of the audience, employing storytelling through live music, video, and spoken word. The approach taken by The Way of Water—Miami was to bring the county's diverse workforce like distribution field crews, wastewater plant operators, and canal maintenance experts onstage. With creative input from Forklift Danceworks, the show promises to offer a fresh take on civic engagement and awareness of environmental efforts.
Artistic director Allison Orr, from Forklift Danceworks, emphasized the relevance of the water issue and Miami-Dade County's role in addressing it. Orr stated, "Having too much or too little water is a leading global issue for cities, government institutions, and individuals. Miami-Dade County is a leader in its frontline relationship with water and has a very important story to tell," as reported by Miami-Dade County News. The show also includes local talent like the Miami Sound Choir, Environmentalist Poet Houston R. Cypress, and scientists from Florida International University.
Financial backing for The Way of Water—Miami comes from a variety of sources, including the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, South Arts in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, and leading funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation. For those interested in attending, free tickets are available through the Moss Center website, as announced by Miami-Dade County News.
