About this Event
Experience an unforgettable evening of dance and storytelling as The CUNY Dance Initiative and The Gerald W. Lynch Theater present Exit12's Stories of War in honor of Veterans Day. Co-created with professional artists and John Jay College's veteran and military-connected community, Stories of War fuses personal narrative with dynamic choreography that explores the emotional landscape of military life—service, sacrifice, resilience, and return—and honors those who have worn the uniform.
Stories of War celebrates the power of the arts to foster cross-cultural dialogue, promote empathy, and encourage healing. The performance concludes with an audience talkback.
ABOUT EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
Co-Founded in 2007 by U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War veteran Román Baca and his professional ballerina wife Lisa Fitzgerald, Exit12 Dance Company is a pioneer in the genre of military veteran art. The contemporary dance company is committed to creating and performing works of high cultural significance that inspire conversations about world differences and the lasting effects of violence and conflict on communities, families, and individuals.
Through movement, Exit12 educates audiences about the reality of war, advocates diversity and mutual understanding through cultural exchange, and champions the humanity and dignity of all persons. The company supports and advances the notion that art heals and is devoted to serving those who have been touched by conflict by expressing their stories.
ABOUT THE CUNY DANCE INITIATIVE
The CUNY Dance Initiative (CDI) was developed in response to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s 2010 report, “We Make Do,” which cited how destabilizing the shortage of affordable rehearsal space in New York City is to the dance sector. A successful pilot supporting residencies on four CUNY campuses in 2013 led to CDI’s formal launch in 2014. Since then, CDI has become a key player in New York City’s performing arts ecosystem, leading a consortium of 14 CUNY colleges and four arts organizations to host 20+ residencies for NYC choreographers and dance companies each year. Over the past 12 years, CDI has granted 300 residencies to emerging and established choreographers, providing invaluable resources to artists, while enhancing CUNY students’ education and cultural experiences.
The CUNY Dance Initiative receives major support from The Howard Gilman Foundation, The George S. Kaufman Charitable Foundation, and The Mertz Gilmore Foundation. Additional support is provided by the SHS Foundation, The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, and the Harkness Foundation for Dance. CDI is spearheaded by The Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College.
ABOUT GERALD W. LYNCH THEATER AT JOHN JAY COLLEGE
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York, an international leader in educating for justice, offers a rich liberal arts and professional studies curriculum to upwards of 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 135 nations. In teaching, scholarship and research, the College approaches justice as an applied art and science in service to society and as an ongoing conversation about fundamental human desires for fairness, equality and the rule of law. For more information, visit www.jjay.cuny.edu.
Since opening its doors in 1988, the Gerald W. Lynch Theater has been an invaluable cultural resource. The Theater is a member of CUNY Stages, a consortium of 16 performing arts centers located on CUNY campuses across New York City and the CUNY Dance Initiative.
The Theater has been home to the Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival & White Light Festival, as well as the New Yorker Festival, Mannes Opera, the World Science Festival, and the revival of Mummunschanz. The Theater has hosted live and recorded events including David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Inside the Actor’s Studio, Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts, Comedy Central Presents one-hour specials, the American Justice Summit, the NYC Mayoral Democratic Debates, and the launch of Jay-Z’s REFORM initiative. The Theater welcomes premiere galas, conferences, international competitions, and graduations. For more information, and a schedule of events, please visit .
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:15 PM
Stories of War Performance
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Audience Talkback
Event venue & nearby stays
The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 524 West 59th Street (between 10th & 11th Avenues), New York, United States
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