The Cabot is excited to announce the schedule of its Community Conversations talk series through August 2022 with screenings and speakers covering a variety of timely, social topics.
Community Conversations was first announced in May 2021,covering topics such as homelessness, disability, and workplace equity. Community Conversations are free and open to the public and held at The Cabot unless otherwise specified.
“We have been thrilled with the response to Community Conversations so far, as it has been an excellent opportunity to broaden the range of programming we offer here at The Cabot,” said J. Casey Soward, Executive Director of The Cabot. “While we love having a good time with all the amazing artists we bring to Beverly, we take our charge as a community-centered non-profit extremely seriously and are looking forward to creating more dialogue around important issues in 2022.”
First up this week on Thursday, Feb. 3, The Cabot will be hosting Arts As Activism Film Fest, presenting short films about a variety of social justice issues from 10 local high school filmmakers.
More events are slated for Fall 2022 and will be announced in the spring. The current schedule is as follows:
Community Conversations: Art As Activism Film Fest
Thursday, February 3, 7:00pm
Presented in partnership with Leading Ladies. Join us as we honor and screen short films about a variety of social justice issues from 10 local high school filmmakers. The top 3 filmmakers will receive cash prizes.
Community Conversations: Coastal Communities Talk Water
Thursday, March 10, 6:00pm
Presented in partnership with Green Beverly with support from Salem Sound Coast Watch and Sustainable Marblehead. An evening of community connection, music, and action-oriented education. Local experts will give Ted Talk-style presentations on what we can do to support sustainable freshwater and marine ecosystems, critical to the long-term health and climate resilience of our region. Lively Q&As and performances from the band Wood and Bone will make this an enjoyable evening for all. Families welcome! Some complimentary childcare available onsite.
Community Conversations: Downtown For All
Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm
Presented in partnership with Beverly Main Streets, featuring the film, Lives Well Lived, an inspiring reminder that growing older can be celebrated. Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom, and life experiences of older adults living full and meaningful lives in their later years. Their stories are about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive during great personal and historic challenges.
Community Conversations: City as Canvas: Above the Free Walls
Wednesday, May 4, 7:00pm
A screening of this award-winning documentary by Olivia Huang about Cambridge’s Graffiti Alley, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker. Presented in partnership with Montserrat College of Art and Beverly Main Streets. This film is a visual adventure through a hidden alley where people are free to express their creativity with graffiti, unfolding the stories behind these ephemeral creations.
Community Conversations: What is Gender? And Why it Matters
Wednesday, June 8, 7:00pm
Featuring speaker Alex Myers, writer, teacher, speaker, and activist who since high school has campaigned for transgender rights. As a female-to-male transgender person, Alex began his transition at Phillips Exeter Academy and was the first transgender student in that academy’s history. A discussion to follow the presentation.
Community Conversations: Families Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Saturday, August 6, 10:30am at Hale Farm
A celebration of families with storytelling, entertainment, food, and activities for the whole family. In partnership with the Department of Children and Families, Pathways for Children, and other local organizations. Held outdoors on the lawn at historic Hale Farm.
About The Cabot
For a century, The Cabot in Beverly has been a local treasure, a dream palace at the heart of the downtown, and a welcoming gathering place for generations of North Shore residents. Originally known as The Ware, this opulent, neoclassical-style theater was built in 1920 by the renowned architectural firm Funk & Wilcox. Originally used for vaudeville shows and silent movies, it was later owned by the movie chain E.M. Loews. In 1976, The Cabot was purchased by Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company, and for the next 36 years was home to this world-famous magic show. The Cabot is now being transformed into a 21st century venue for audiences of all ages, with nationally recognized live performers, current and classic movies and community events. Since its reopening in November 2014, The Cabot is once again a vital part of the North Shore’s artistic life. The Cabot celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. Visit https://thecabot.org.
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