SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) SteppingStone Theater, 55 Victoria Street North, St. Paul, MN 55104
Free event with dessert reception afterward, featuring performances by many local artists including:
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- Ananya Dance Theater
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- OBIE award winning actress Laurie Carlos
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- Louis Alemayehu of Ancestor Energy
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- Musician, songwriter Larry Long
- Excerpts from the writings of Deb Torraine
This colorful and entertaining mosaic of short stories, poetry, and spoken word set to music, dance and photography will reflect on the life and work of Deborah Torraine, writer, artist, playwright, educator and grassroots activist. Deb passed away suddenly on June 10, leaving a rich legacy of art and activism.
Deb Torraine was an award-winning short story author. Her most recent short story appeared in the 2010 Saint Paul Almanac. Among Deb’s body of work are two popular plays she wrote for Steppingstone Theater, The Black Snowman, based on the book by Phil Mendez and Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges. Ross Willits of Steppingstone Theater notes, “Deb and her work have touched the lives of countless children and families, and our community is richer for having her in it. Hers was a presence of strength and joy, and we will miss her terribly.”
Deb’s environmental and community activism was as integral to her life as was her art. Most recently Deb served as the community engagement coordinator for Saint Paul Almanac. Deb, herself an urban farmer growing culturally specific foods, was passionate about feeding people. She was a Board Officer for AfroEco, a collaborative of African American artists, scholars, professionals and advocates. She partnered with EJAM (Environmental Justice Advocates of MN) as a Wellstone Fellow to bring environmental education into an inner-city middle school.
Location of the Celebration
SteppingStone Theatre
55 Victoria Street North
St. Paul, MN 55104
www.steppingstonetheatre.org
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the William Mitchell College lot across the street south of the theatre. The lot is on the corner of Victoria and Summit with an entrance from Victoria. Ignore the “permit parking only” signs, as SteppingStone has arranged free parking for us during this event.
Donations will be accepted for the Deb Torraine Scholarship Fund for Young Adults
Drop by or mail a check to:
Associated Bank
RE: Deb Torraine Scholarship Fund for Young Adults
176 Snelling Avenue N
Saint Paul, MN 55104
More info: (651) 646-8681
For More Information
“Friends of Deb Torraine” open group page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/234506926565843/ (Feel free to join for updates)
Our Sweet Potato Sister: Celebrating the Life of Deb Torraine
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110839505691199 (Facebook event page)
RSVP: At Facebook event page above or email Blake at wildokra@gmail.com — Questions? Call Blake at 612-382-3591.