Teatro Grattacielo (TG) is dedicated to fostering artistic and cultural engagement that extends beyond the concert stage, creating spaces where diverse communities can connect through the arts. In collaboration with Gotham Park (GP), a grassroots nonprofit revitalizing underutilized spaces beneath the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, TG is developing multidisciplinary initiatives for Summer 2025. This partnership with GP’s female-led leadership and skateboarding community explores the intersection of opera, movement, and storytelling in unexpected public spaces. Through free, accessible programming, TG aims to bring together residents, families, and young artists from public arts schools, building lasting relationships through shared creative experiences.
To find out more about Gotham Park click HERE
Our Goals
Bring Opera to New Audiences
Our primary goal is to introduce and present opera in an interactive, community-focused format in Chinatown, The Bowery, and downtown Manhattan—areas where access to this art form has historically been limited. We aim to demystify opera and make it accessible to communities that may not have experienced it before, creating meaningful cultural connections.
Foster Community Engagement and Collaboration
We strive to create a platform for open dialogue and collaboration with the park’s surrounding communities, including residents from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, older adults, and the park’s vibrant skateboarding community. Through joint activities, brainstorming sessions, and programming shaped by creative input from all involved, we hope to become a cultural asset that reflects the unique spirit of the neighborhood.
Expand Educational and Cultural Opportunities for Youth
Building on Teatro Grattacielo’s Creative Tableaux initiative, we plan to form a young chorus in collaboration with our partner schools, The High School for Fashion Industries and The Frank Sinatra High School for the Arts. This program will provide students from a wide range of backgrounds the opportunity to explore collaboration, creativity, and the arts. The chorus will perform at events such as skateboarding competitions in Gotham Park, merging arts and sports into an inclusive, dynamic experience.
Spark Conversations about Immigration and Cultural Identity
Using opera as a lens, we aim to explore and reflect on the immigrant experience in New York City. Through performances of short operatic works like Generation Perdida by Jorge Sosa and The Tin Angel by Daniel Asia, we will create spaces for dialogue about cultural identity and community integration. Each performance will include discussions with panels of community leaders, artists, and cultural advocates, fostering meaningful conversations about the diverse stories that shape our city.
Build Lasting Connections and Measure Impact
By participating in community events and gathering feedback through attendance data, questionnaires, and interactive meetings, we will ensure our programming resonates with the community. These efforts will guide our future initiatives, ensuring that the project provides lasting value during and beyond Gotham Park’s renovation.
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Upcoming Events at Gotham Park
All events are free, community-centric, intergenerational, and open to all. We aim to connect with New Yorkers from every path.
October 18th: The Longest Table at Gotham Park
Time:
Community Potluck: 12 PM - 2 PM
Performance and Discussion: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Attend a compelling performance of “Generation Perdida,” a work by Jorge Sousa that delves into themes of immigration and community. Following the show, we invite attendees to participate in a discussion, sharing personal experiences and reflections inspired by the performance. This dialogue aims to amplify diverse voices and foster a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience.
The Longest Table at Gotham Park is a free gathering designed to spark joy and strengthen neighborhood connections through the simple act of sharing a meal. Bring a dish, drink, or even a centerpiece to share, and enjoy an afternoon of food, conversation, and community. We’ll provide the tables and chairs—you bring friends, neighbors, and something to add to the table. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a local foodie, or simply curious, this event is for you!
The development of Generación Perdida received funding from OPERA America’s IDEA Opera Grantsprogram, supported by the Charles and Cerise Jacobs Charitable Foundation and New York City Council Member Eric Bottcher, Cultural Immigrant Initiative.
