Press Releases
Date: August 14, 2002
Release: Immediately
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reba V. Hicks
Public Information Officer
(856) 968-2748
"HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CAMDEN YOUTH PERFORMANCE
OF ROMEO AND JULIET HITS THE STAGE"
The Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) will proudly
host its first youth performance of "Romeo and Juliet"
hip hop style at the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center on Thursday,
August 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. A public reception will be held at
6:00 p.m.
Fifteen youth residing within the HACC and throughout the city
have created a 2002 version of Romeo and Juliet, hip hop style with
a New York City flavor.
Through the Housing Scholars Program offered through the NJ Department
of Community Affairs, the HACC formed a partnership to provide theatrical
experiences for the youth of Camden City. The mission of the Housing
Scholars Program is to provide nonprofit organizations actively
involved with the development of affordable housing with a full-time
summer intern from either an undergraduate or graduate program at
one of five New Jersey colleges and universities. Akua Hilton, a
Camden City resident and Housing Scholar attending Rutger's University,
worked on scripting and designing this production. The Housing Scholars
internship is sponsored by First Union Bank and the Department of
Community Affairs.
Dr. Maria Marquez, Executive Director, for the HACC stated, "the
2002 summer experience for the youth of our city has been tremendous.
The youth are experiencing the joys of live theater and accepting
the challenge of public speaking that will benefit them greatly
throughout life."