The Los Angeles Poverty Department, a theatre company based in the downtown Skid Row area of Los Angeles, will hold an intensive workshop in community-based art-making Aug. 4-13. "Change/Exchange" will focus on ways of utilizing theatre techniques in building cultural and political coalitions in the inner cities. Each morning will offer a three-hour workshop led by LAPD company members. Participants will be taught how to develop and perform original performance material that synthesizes the experience of living and working on Skid Row.

Afternoon community work will give participants a chance to work with the people of Skid Row as an advocate and an artist. In addition to working with social service organizations and community activists, participants and LAPD members will create and produce shows in shelters and hotels on Skid Row.

LAPD is comprised mainly of homeless and formerly homeless people. The company's mission is to create community through the process of making challenging theatre. LAPD has received awards from the arts communities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. The workshop's director is John Malpede, an award-winning teacher, director and performer. He founded LAPD in 1985.

Past presenters at LAPD workshops include Peter Sellars, current director of the Adelaide Festival, Australia); Fahad Ameli, manager, VOA Drug Recovery and Residential Services; and Roberto Bedoya, current director of the National Association of Artist Organizations.

Workshop tuition is $300. Limited financial assistance is available. Limited free housing is available in a renovated, secure single-room occupancy hotel on Skid Row, The workshop is limited to 15 participants.For more information, call, write or e-mail: Los Angeles Poverty Department, POB 26190, Los Angeles, CA 90026-0190; (213) 413-1077; [email protected]

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent