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POAC presenting 'Living Voices'

| January 26, 2025 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — At 15 years old, Bridget Fitzgerald left Ireland in search of a better life.

It was 1910, and while children under the age of 16 weren't allowed to travel on their own, she lied about her age, determined to seek a better life. 

"I look at all of these faces around me," Fitzgerald — a character created for Living Voices' "The New American" production — says in a video giving a snapshot look at the program. "America's given each of us a chance. What other country in this world could do that? So maybe one day I will take that bicycle trip back home for a visit. America's where I belong now."

Area residents will get a chance to hear Bridget's story and learn more about the life of new immigrants to America as part of an upcoming production of Living Voices. "The New American" production will take place Friday, Jan. 31, at the Panida. The program begins at 7 p.m.

"The New American" is one of 12 dynamic and original programs presented by Living Voices featuring its signature technique of synchronizing historical film footage and photographs with a single live performer. Based on real people and events, each production gives the audience a chance to experience how the world looked, sounded, and felt during a significant time in history, highlighting lesser-known points of view.

With a mission to bring life to history, Living Voices combines dynamic live performance with archival film and photos to authentically represent perspectives from the past that still resonate today. 

The program is a chance to step back in time with Living Voices as it brings to life the compelling narrative of a young Irish immigrant's voyage to a new land in the early 1900s. Through a captivating blend of dynamic solo performance and archival film, the audience is able to witness Bridget's courageous journey from the cramped quarters of steerage on a trans-Atlantic ship to the gates of Ellis Island and the bustling streets of New York City. 

They will witness her story as she experiences the challenges and triumphs of her quest for a better life in America, navigating the obstacles of immigrant life and striving for acceptance and belonging in a new homeland. The community is invited to join the Pend Oreille Arts Council, which is presenting the program, on this evocative historical adventure as Living Voices explores the timeless question: What does it truly mean to forge a new path and start afresh in a foreign land?

“Our long relationship with the incredible Living Voices program continues with this latest production of 'The New American,'” said POAC executive director Tone Stolz. “Celebrating our culturally rich American history, POAC believes this is an important story to share. We hope that community  members of all ages will join us for this live theater presentation at the Panida Theater.” 

Living Voices is also a part of POAC’s Ovations program, a free outreach that provides quality educational experiences in the performing arts for students in our community who would not otherwise have these opportunities.  A study guide focused on the history of the times will accompany performances in multiple schools in the Lake Pend Oreille School District prior to Friday's public performance at the Panida. 

Tickets, $15 adult or $10 youth, are available at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., by phone at 208- 263-6139, online at ArtinSandpoint.org, or at the box office at the Panida Theater which will open at 6 p.m., an hour prior to showtime.