We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Raanan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.
Ben, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
One of my greatest mentors is a fabulous Artistic Director named D. Lynn Meyers. I worked with Lynn for eight years at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Lynn is the fiercest believer of humanity I have ever known. Lynn loves her job because it allows her to give people the space to be their best self. This optimism is something I carry with me every day. Believe in humanity, even when it is tough, because that is the reason we are all here.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Phamaly Theatre Company’s mission is to be a creative home for theatre artists with disabilities; to model a disability-affirmative theatrical process; and to upend conventional narratives by transforming individuals, audiences, and the world. Phamaly Theatre Company strives to create a world in which disability and the differences within the human condition are celebrated and the theatre experience is accessible and welcoming to all. At every performance, you will see actors with all nature of disabilities: physical, cognitive, intellectual, and emotional. PTC gives actors a supportive space to explore and develop their craft, empowers artists within their disability identity, educates the community about access and inclusion, and entertains audiences with high-quality, award winning theatre.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to always tell the most interesting stories about the most interesting people. Disability affects one in five Americans and yet less than 5% of our theatrical canon features disability affirming stories. I believe we have stigmatized disability as a society and I am driven to continue the work I do pushing disability rights for all those who have come before us and those who will come after us.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Come see a show. Or go to a gallery. Or go to a concert. Whatever your art of choice is, go do it.
Art is for everyone and without it, a society fails. We have seen this through history time and time again. I would much rather you bring 10 of your employees to a show then donate $150 to the organization. Without people consuming the brilliant art we are making, the world becomes stagnant.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phamaly.org
- Instagram: phamalytheatre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phamaly
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhamalyTheatre
Image Credits
Michael Ensminger