"NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT: Fragments of a Blues Opera"
Rockland, ME—September 11 & 12, 2021 (National Recovery Month)
About The Production:
“NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT”—a new theatrical production by playwright Michael Gorman—will premiere in Rockland, Maine this summer on September 11 & 12th during National Recovery Month. The performances will take place outdoors on the waterfront at The Steel House—639 Main Street, Rockland, ME.
The production is part of Gorman’s on-going project Chasing The New White Whale—Harpooning Addiction--a performance-based art & advocacy model created by the playwright and his production company The Forty Hour Club—a collective in independent artist’s dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of opiate addiction in the commercial fishing community of Maine and New England.
Through the use of metaphor and the sharing of personal stories by members of the community, the productions seek to create an open forum for discussion around critical issues in the community. The ultimate goal is to propel constructive change and help build resiliency in the face of challenges such as the opiate crisis.
“NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT—Fragments of a Blues Opera” will tap into the deep ritualistic healing power of the blues—incorporating original live music, spoken word, performance, community participation, and testimonials— to restore connections lost or frayed by the compound crises of the opiate epidemic and COVID. Now, more than ever the time seems right to come together and celebrate the spirit of the blues and the inspiring strength of human connection in the wake of adversity.
National Recovery Month is a National observance held every September to educate Americans about substance use disorder and treatment.
Showtimes and ticket information coming soon!
“NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT”—a new theatrical production by playwright Michael Gorman—will premiere in Rockland, Maine this summer on September 11 & 12th during National Recovery Month. The performances will take place outdoors on the waterfront at The Steel House—639 Main Street, Rockland, ME.
The production is part of Gorman’s on-going project Chasing The New White Whale—Harpooning Addiction--a performance-based art & advocacy model created by the playwright and his production company The Forty Hour Club—a collective in independent artist’s dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of opiate addiction in the commercial fishing community of Maine and New England.
Through the use of metaphor and the sharing of personal stories by members of the community, the productions seek to create an open forum for discussion around critical issues in the community. The ultimate goal is to propel constructive change and help build resiliency in the face of challenges such as the opiate crisis.
“NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT—Fragments of a Blues Opera” will tap into the deep ritualistic healing power of the blues—incorporating original live music, spoken word, performance, community participation, and testimonials— to restore connections lost or frayed by the compound crises of the opiate epidemic and COVID. Now, more than ever the time seems right to come together and celebrate the spirit of the blues and the inspiring strength of human connection in the wake of adversity.
National Recovery Month is a National observance held every September to educate Americans about substance use disorder and treatment.
Showtimes and ticket information coming soon!
COMMUNITY PRESENTATION SERIES:
The Forty Hour Club will present a series of free community outreach presentations in September in the fishing ports of:
• Stonington, ME (September 16th at The Stonington Opera House-Time TBD)
• and other Maine communities TBD.
With this Community Presentation Series, Gorman hopes to engender a greater awareness of the epidemic and the underlying disease of addiction; create connection and engage the audience and community in a creative dialogue that propels constructive change; emphasize the need for more understanding and compassion; help reduce the stigma associated with addiction; and help initiate healing.
"CHASING THE NEW WHITE WHALE—Harpooning Addiction" is an art & advocacy model that explores the current National opioid crisis through the unique lens of the commercial fishing industry, and draws inspiration from Moby Dick and Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the Great White Whale.
The Forty Hour Club will present a series of free community outreach presentations in September in the fishing ports of:
• Stonington, ME (September 16th at The Stonington Opera House-Time TBD)
• and other Maine communities TBD.
With this Community Presentation Series, Gorman hopes to engender a greater awareness of the epidemic and the underlying disease of addiction; create connection and engage the audience and community in a creative dialogue that propels constructive change; emphasize the need for more understanding and compassion; help reduce the stigma associated with addiction; and help initiate healing.
"CHASING THE NEW WHITE WHALE—Harpooning Addiction" is an art & advocacy model that explores the current National opioid crisis through the unique lens of the commercial fishing industry, and draws inspiration from Moby Dick and Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the Great White Whale.
Support The Production & Series/ Partner with Us
We are seeking organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in helping us bring this production and Community Presentation Series to the communities most in need. You can help us reach our goals in the following ways:
• Make a Direct Donation to help support the production and series.
(You can make a donation via the links below, or contact us for other options.)
• Become a Lead Sponsor/Partner.
Your organization or business can become a lead Sponsor/partner for the production. For Lead Sponsor opportunities or to discuss a partnership, please contact us (contact info below).
• Become a supporting sponsor. Organizations, businesses, or individuals can show support for the production by making a direct or in-kind donation of goods or services. In return, your business or organization logo will be highlighted on tour-related marketing.
• Make an in-kind donation of goods or services.
We are in need of: construction materials for set building; costume and set item; items to help us in our fundraising and promotion goals—giveaways, raffles, incentives; sounds and lighting equipment and operation; graphic design and marketing; transportation; housing for performers and crew; hospitality; etc. In return, your business or organization logo will be highlighted on tour-related marketing.
• Volunteer your time and efforts.
We need volunteers for: stage & set construction; hands-on tech/production support leading up to and during the production; sound, lighting, and video operation; photography; transportation; day-of-show logistics including tickets & merchandise sales, and more!
• Bring your group or organization to a performance and help us spread the word about the project and tour.
(Ticket info available soon).
We are seeking organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in helping us bring this production and Community Presentation Series to the communities most in need. You can help us reach our goals in the following ways:
• Make a Direct Donation to help support the production and series.
(You can make a donation via the links below, or contact us for other options.)
• Become a Lead Sponsor/Partner.
Your organization or business can become a lead Sponsor/partner for the production. For Lead Sponsor opportunities or to discuss a partnership, please contact us (contact info below).
• Become a supporting sponsor. Organizations, businesses, or individuals can show support for the production by making a direct or in-kind donation of goods or services. In return, your business or organization logo will be highlighted on tour-related marketing.
• Make an in-kind donation of goods or services.
We are in need of: construction materials for set building; costume and set item; items to help us in our fundraising and promotion goals—giveaways, raffles, incentives; sounds and lighting equipment and operation; graphic design and marketing; transportation; housing for performers and crew; hospitality; etc. In return, your business or organization logo will be highlighted on tour-related marketing.
• Volunteer your time and efforts.
We need volunteers for: stage & set construction; hands-on tech/production support leading up to and during the production; sound, lighting, and video operation; photography; transportation; day-of-show logistics including tickets & merchandise sales, and more!
• Bring your group or organization to a performance and help us spread the word about the project and tour.
(Ticket info available soon).
For more information about becoming a donor, sponsor, or volunteer
for the production of “NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT”
Please contact:
Donna Daly—Co-Director/Production Manager
The Forty Hour Club
donna@fortyhourclub.com
207•542•5114
for the production of “NEVER LEAVING THIS BOAT”
Please contact:
Donna Daly—Co-Director/Production Manager
The Forty Hour Club
donna@fortyhourclub.com
207•542•5114
Donate Now!
Tax deductible donations can be made through our Fiscal Sponsor FRACTURED ATLAS.
CHASING THE NEW WHITE WHALE is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non‐profit arts service organization.
Contributions for the charitable purposes of Chasing The New White Whale must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” and are tax‐deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Checks should be made payable to: Fractured Atlas
(with Chasing The New White Whale in the memo line).
Please send contributions to: The Forty Hour Club • 639 Main Street • Rockland • ME • 04841
CHASING THE NEW WHITE WHALE is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non‐profit arts service organization.
Contributions for the charitable purposes of Chasing The New White Whale must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” and are tax‐deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Checks should be made payable to: Fractured Atlas
(with Chasing The New White Whale in the memo line).
Please send contributions to: The Forty Hour Club • 639 Main Street • Rockland • ME • 04841
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
This production made possible by the generous support of these sponsors:
This production made possible by the generous support of these sponsors:
Learn more about the project Chasing The New White Whale—Harpooning Addiction HERE.
Follow "Chasing The New White Whale" on Instagram.
