Event

SWIMMING WITH THE POLAR BEARS - Benefit Performance

The Syzygy Theatre Group is pleased to announce that it will host a special benefit performance of the Off Broadway Magical Iguana Productions production of Mel EnglandÂs SWIMMING WITH THE POLAR BEARS, directed by Jill AndrÂ. SWIMMING WITH THE POLAR BEARS originally performed Off-Broadway in April 2009 as part of a 3-day Earth Day benefit for the Climate Project.

SWIMMING WITH THE POLAR BEARS is a funny, poignant, and devastatingly personal look at the dangers of global warming. Actor Mel England returns to the autobiographical one-man arena, with director Jill AndrÂ, to explore the parallels between contemporary life, ancient Eskimo mythology, and the tragic loss of endangered species.

In the tradition of Spaulding Grey, England takes an introspective examination of his battles with extinction Â from surviving childhood abuse to overcoming Cancer Â as a backdrop for larger questions of how we all can survive on our precious planet. A 20-year AIDS survivor, England struggles against the oddsÂto understand our own denial, grasp justifications, and ultimately accept responsibility to save oneself.

England takes us on a fantastical journey bringing Polar Bears to life -- with video and images by National GeographicÂs Tristan Bayer and original music by Thomas Silcott Â and, in the end, we find we are all Swimming with the Polar Bears.