In the Footprint  /

In the Footprint: The Battle Over Atlantic Yards

World Premiere: November 12-December 11, 2010 at the Irondale Center in Fort Greene, Brooklyn

The Civilians presents the world premiere of In the Footprint from November 12 through December 11, 2010 at the Irondale Center in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The infamous Atlantic Avenue railway yards are located two blocks away from the theater where The Civilians will tell the story of Brooklyn's controversial land development project. The Civilians' lively presentation of theater, dance, and music takes its inspiration from interviews with the real life players in the story of Brooklyn: residents both old and new, community activists, developers, local business owners, politicos, and many others.

Using material gathered for The Civilians' critically-acclaimed presentation of Brooklyn at Eye Levelin 2008, along with new interviews about the most current events, Atlantic Yards is the living documentation of an urban community facing industrial-sized growing pains. Not taking one side in the debate, the production intends to explore the many considerations and theories that build a public controversy, and celebrate the many voices and diverse perspectives of the people of Brooklyn.

The Atlantic Yards development project was first proposed in 2003 by real estate developer Forest City Ratner. The construction plan includes a basketball stadium for the New Jersey Nets, high-rise condominiums, and new commercial spaces, and the demolition of established local businesses and existing homes. The groundbreaking for the development project occurred in March, 2010 after seven years of negotiations, legal battles, and community protests. It was made possible by the New York State Supreme Court's recent enactment of eminent domain.

For more information, check out our Brooklyn at Eye Level Blog HERE!