This Is Reading is a dynamic site-specific multimedia installation blending live performance and visual media. The installation occupied the historic Franklin Street Railroad Station in Downtown Reading for three weekends in July 2017, re-animating the long vacant building. Using as it’s foundation the challenges, and triumphs of people living in and around Reading, Pa., This is Reading weaves their individual stories into one cohesive and celebratory compelling tale of the city.The project is inspired by the relationship Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage forged with the people of Reading while researching her critically-acclaimed Broadway-bound play SWEAT, directed by Kate Whoriskey.

Production Photos by Max Acra Inc

This Is Reading is created by an award-winning team of artists, including Lynn Nottage, filmmaker Tony Gerber, director Kate Whoriskey, choreographer Rennie Harris, projection designer Jeff Sugg, set designer Deb O, DJ Eli Evnen, Sound Designer Nick Kourtides, Lighting Designer Amith Chandrashaker, producers Jane Saks, Blake Ashman-Kipervaser, Santo D. Marabella and Allison Bressi.

Partners Labyrinth Theater Company, Project &, Market Road Films, Goggleworks, ReadingFilm/Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, The Sketchbook Project, The Offices of the Mayor and Managing Director, City of Reading, South Central Transit Authority, Commissioners Office, County of Berks, Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, The Civilians, Reading Parking Authority and The Downtown Improvement District.

Creative Team: Lynn Nottage, Writer/Conceiver; Tony Gerber, Filmaker/Co-Conceiver; Kate Whoriskey, Director/Co-Conceiver; Rennie Harris, Choreographer; Eli Evnen, Composer; Deb O, Environment Designer; Jennifer Moeller, Costume Designer; Amith Chandrashaker, Lighting Designer; Nick Kourtides, Sound Designer; Jeff Sugg, Projections Designer; Katie Merz, Mural Artist; Ty Inwood, Mural Artist.

Main Stage Performers: Vanessa Aspillaga, Actor; Russell G. Jones, Actor; Michael Puzzo, Actor; Kashaka, DJ; Kat Cruz, Dancer; Joshua Culbreathe, Dancer; Theresa Gonzalez, Dancer; Liyanah Mann, Dancer; Ashanique Monlyn, Dancer; Christopher Roche, Dancer/Physical Storyteller; Stephanie Seda, Dancer; Caliph Shabazz, Dancer; Samantha Shepherd, Dancer/Assistant Choreographer; Jaymes Williams, Dancer;