Past Seasons

2007 - 2008 Season

Pizza for the Hungry 2008: A Smile brings Hope

View Pizza for the Hungry 2008 pics

In 2008, Pizza for the Hungry: A Smile Brings Hope took place from June 16th to June 20th and expanded to 13 shelters in 8 cities in 4 states. Thanks to your support, we're marching on towards the dream of making eyeBLINK's Pizza for the Hungry: A Smile Brings Hope a nationwide event.

Our Grand Sponsor was Dominos Pizza.

In New York, we threw parties at: Bowery Mission: Musician: Ken White (conga drums), Love Kitchen: Musician: David Linaburg (guitar and vocals), St John's Bread and Life: Musician: Muhammad X (African drum), Love Gospel Kitchen: Musician: David Linaburg (guitar and vocals), NYC Rescue.

In Oklahoma, our Project Manager was Sarah Hart Grigsby. We threw parties at: Oklahoma City: City Rescue Mission: Musician: Christopher McClure (guitar and vocals) and Tulsa: John 3:16 Mission: Musician: Jeff Bookout (guitar and vocals)

In Massachusetts, our Project Managers were Tonika and Gary Bohnert. We threw parties at Boston Rescue Mission aka Kingston House.

In New Jersey, our Project Managers were Nikhil and Dipti Bhalja. We threw parties at Newark: St. James Social Services Musician: Craig Mitchell (guitar), Jersey City: St. Lucy's Shelter, Newark: Goodwill Rescue Mission: Musician: Anthony Robinson (keyboard), Morristown: Market Street Mission, Patterson: Evas Village.

2008 Pizza Project Pillars (donated or raised at least $100):

Jen Kramer, Oosman Abdulla, Nooshi, Sara and Omar Ahmed. Hosain Malick, Sara Militello, Howard Kramer, Arya International, William J. Carabano, David Hutto, Razzak Buddha, AA Film Studios - Adnan Khawaja, Albert Velez, Zunis Fashion, Sindy Calay, DFW Motel Supply and Textiles, Sumit and Jyoti Singh, Meena Subramanyam, Gopal Shah, Christopher Cococcia, Natural Look Salon in the Queens Center Mall, Uzma Naseem, Jan Battenfield, Julio Robledo, Dinesh Hemnani, Kuldeep Adhlakha, Ian and Shilpa Samuel, Benjamin and Ina Samuel

2008 Pizza Project Proviers (donated or raised at least $500 to feed all the guest in one shelter/kitchen) Doctor Avraham Henoch Bronx office, Doctor Avraham Henoch Manhattan office, Abhishek USA, Bitiya.org, ARY Digital, Local Muslims of New Jersey, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc, La Lanterna Di Vittorio

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The eyeBLINK William J. Carabano Scholarship Award PARTY!

Saturday, December 15, 2007
AURA
5 East 19th Street, between 5th and Broadway
9PM – 3AM

eyeBLINK celebrated the creation of The eyeBLINK William J. Carabano Scholarship Award! The party included a 2 hour open bar as well as free admission to the lounge. A result of a partnership between eyeBLINK and NYU College of Arts and Sciences, 2 students are granted scholarships of $1500 min. every year. The eyeBLINK William J. Carabano Award will be used to benefit members of groups underrepresented in the area of Latino Studies or Topics in Hispanic Culture. Students receiving the aid will be from New York City and be selected based on financial need. They will receive the scholarship for the entirety of their four-year education at New York University. A special thank you to our generous donor William J. Carabano! Congratulations to our first 2 recipients: Xinia G. Bermudez and Katia A. Diaz!

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Just Chill

August 23, 2007
Chill Lounge
329 Lexington Ave @ 39th Street
NYC

eyeBLINK Theatre threw a great fundraiser party at Chill Lounge on Thursday, August 23. As a fundraiser for Fall '07 Theatre events, we managed to raise funds, provide music, complimentary appetizers, one hour open bar, and give away some great prizes at our raffle. Prizes included dinner for 2 by Koca Lounge, facial and massage by Gemvie MediSpa, martial arts classes by DE Fitness, yoga by Seaport Yoga, hip-hop classes by Karen Go, private salsa instruction by Julio Robledo, personal photography by Amy Hendy and makeup design by Lindsey Ford! Check out the pics taken by our event photographer Any Hendy!

View pics here

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Just Chill

October 17, 2007
Chill Lounge
329 Lexington Ave @ 39th Street
NYC

eyeBLINK Dance threw a great fundraiser party at Chill Lounge on Wednesday, October 17. In order to create original works, performers require funding for rental of space, set design and costumes. Thanks to our generous supporters, it was a successful evening of fundraising. Our guests made new friends and networked while enjoying great music, complimentary appetizers and open bar. We gave away some great prizes to our enthusiastic crowd at our raffle. Prizes included dinner for 2 by Planet Thailand, a facial by Gemvie MediSpa, personal training sessions by Central Park Fitness and Fixed Gear Fitness, free classes at Kiner Enterprises, and one month of free salsa classes for two lucky couples at Five Star Salsa. A big thanks for your generous support in funding our fall season. Check out the pics taken by our event photographer Jonathan Valentin!

View pics here

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Just Chill

April 4, 2008
Iggy’s Karaoke Bar
1452 Second Ave @ 75th Street
NYC

eyeBLINK Theatre organized a fun-filled fundraiser party at Iggy’s on Friday, April 4th. In order to create original works, performers require funding for rental of space, set design and costumes. Thanks to our generous supporters, it was a successful evening of fundraising. Our guests made new friends and networked while enjoying great music, open bar, and karaoke! We gave away some great prizes to our enthusiastic crowd at our raffle. Prizes included complimentary bar tab by Iggy’s, dinner at Recharge Bar and Grill, Krav Maga sessions, hip-hop, yoga classes and pilates classes, public speaking sessions, guitar lessons, salsa lessons, and songwriting lessons. A big thanks for your generous support in funding our season. Check out the pics taken by our event photographer Pauline Millard!

View pics here

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Beneath The Banyan Tree

Private Off-Broadway Reading of Beneath The Banyan Tree, an original play by Brooke Pierce, concept by Qurrat Ann Kadwani, directed by Mark Bloom

Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30PM
The Snapple Theater Center
1627 Broadway, at the corner of Bway & 50th St.
4th Floor Theatre

With: Qurrat Ann Kadwani, Obaid Kadwani, Nicole Winhoffer, Andreas Stiker, Sana Keith, Charles Everett, Catherine Leong, Shuo Zhang
Event photography: Swoan Parker
Videography: Eric Robinson
Sponsors: Cathy Russell of The Snapple Theatre Center
Fred’s Wine’s and Liquors

eyeBLINK produced sold-out off-off Broadway versions of this original play in 2003 and 2004. The script has been revised and enhanced to gear Beneath the Banyan Tree for an Off-Broadway run. Written by Brooke Pierce, concept by Qurrat Ann Kadwani and directed by Mark Bloom, the play is about the magical journey of life. Beneath the Banyan Tree reinforces that both virtues and vices are universal and transcend time and space. For adults, but suitable for children, Beneath the Banyan Tree follows the progress of two individuals looking for their place and purpose in the world, and who find it at the base of a majestic banyan tree. In addition to featuring theatrical retellings of many well-known South Asian folk stories, Beneath the Banyan Tree celebrates the connections we all share. The purpose of the reading was to provide audience feedback for the writer and also to obtain potential investment interest for an Off-Broadway production. A wine and cheese reception followed.

More info

View past production pics

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Lend-A-Hand India Diwali Bash 2007

November 2, 2007
Pope Auditorium, Fordham University
113 W 60th St
NYC

eyeBLINK Dance was proud to perform at Lend-A-Hand India’s annual Diwali party. The event was organized by Raj Gilda and raised funds to provide vocational and educational training to youth in rural communities in India. The evening featured Chaat food, chocolate fondue, and great entertainment. eyeBLINK performed “The Harvest”, a colorful Rajasthani folk dance dedicated to all the farmers' wives who fail to receive recognition for their sacrifices, hard work and commitment. The piece was choreographed by Behnaz Khusrokhan and performed by Bidisha Dasgupta, Ratna Sheth, Shivika Sinha, Jayshree Bajoria and Behnaz Khusrokhan.

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Tomorrow's Gold! New Work Series

presented 2 one-act plays by John Watts:
Chess-Blading directed by Guy Shahar
God Is A Puerto Rican directed by Ashley Jones

Monday, November 12, 2007 at 7:00 PM
The Richmond Shepard Theatre
309 East 26th Street @ 2nd Ave.
NYC

With: Tammy Tunyavongs, George Flowers, Julio Neira, Edward Monterosso

In our continuing effort to bring theatre to mass audiences, eyeBLINK presented free readings of 2 one-act plays. These plays were selected for their ability to expand the scope of multiculturalism in a context of love and hate, desire and helplessness. In Chess-Blading, an eighteen-year-old Thai-American girl adrift in the uncertainty of a summer between high school graduation and the start of college meets a retired university professor in the park. Generational and cultural differences are defined through a series of flashbacks creating a bond that strengthens their individual resolve to deal with life successfully. In God Is A Puerto Rican, a young Puerto Rican man and an older white businessman confront each other in a park. Each has a clearly defined stereotypical vision of the other. Through conversation they find references to childhood upon which they attempt to find common ground. A question and answer period with the audience followed.

View pics here

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Tomorrow's Gold! New Work Series

presented a full-length comedy by Sem Megson:
Lovers and Thieves directed by Maura Kelley
Thursday, July 31 at 7:00 PM
Joria Theatres
260 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor
NYC

With: Edward Monterosso, Rosemary Howard, Qurrat Ann Kadwani, Dani Suder, Fajer Al-Kaisi
In our continuing effort to bring theatre to mass audiences, eyeBLINK presented a free reading of a full length comedic play. This play was selected for its wit, dialogue, and characters that emphasized a social issue in our society. In Lovers and Thieves, a couple that runs a match-making company differ on how people should be matched. Do looks matter or will DNA matching suffice? At the same time, two criminals decide to target this company in order to steal identities. A question and answer period with the audience followed.

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Rhythms: Choreographers of NYC

November 16 and 17, 2007
Joria Productions/West Side Dance Project
260 West 36th St, 3rd Floor
NYC

eyeBLINK Dance continued its effort to present new works by unique choreographer by presenting RHYTHMS, our bi-annual dance showcase. The program featured original choreography by talented artists from a variety of dance training and backgrounds. Dance styles presented included Hip-Hop, Modern, Indian classical, Tap, Rajasthani Folk, Contemporary and Urban Clogging. The fabulous performers entertained and dazzled sell-out crowds both evenings. Thanks to all of the dancers and our audience members for two great shows!

Dancers:
Lisa Craig, Renee Kurz, Laura Sine, Mara Torres, Marian West, Diana Windley, Brandy Blaha , Monifa Kincaid-Coaxum, Awoye Timpo, Michelle Durante, Carla Reitano, Kelly Collins, Allison Vinal, Kim Fore, Behnaz Khusrokhan, Bidisha Dasgupta, Jayshree Bajoria, Anila Gopalakrishnan, Ratna Sheth, Shivika Sinha

Sound/Lighting Design – Jonathan Rivera
Videography – David Gaynes
Photography – Patricia Kantzos

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Rhythms: Choreographers of NYC

April 11 and 12, 2008
Joria Productions/West Side Dance Project
260 West 36th St, 3rd Floor
NYC

eyeBLINK Dance proudly presented the fourth RHYTHMS showcase – our bi-annual performance series showcasing new works by NYC’s unique choreographers. RHYTHMS brings together artists from various dance training and backgrounds onto one stage and serves as a starting point for future artistic collaborations. The two sold out shows included Modern, African, Indian Contemporary, and Tap dance styles as well as colorful costumes and a rich variety of musical and theatrical elements. eyeBLINK Dance hopes to expand the RHYTHMS program to include more performances and artists in our upcoming season.

Dancers:
Christina Coleman, Meghan Kent, Jessi Reynolds, Members of Ballet International Africans, Awoye Timpo, Brandy Blaha, Monifa Kincaid-Coaxum, Arleigh Rothenberg, Courtney Runfit, Noa Sagie, Mana Kawamura, Bidisha Sinha, Nicole Lee, Christina Amendolia, Daman Harun,Vincent McCloskey, Meghan Kleinschmidt, Bidisha Dasgupta

Sound/Lighting Design – Emily Ballou
Videography – Eric Robinson
Photography – Patricia Kantzos

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Stripped Boundaries

eyeBLINK Theatre / Dance Collaboration: Season Finale
Spoken word/poetry infused with music and dance

Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 8:00 PM
West Side Dance Project
260 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor
NYC

Spoken Word Artists:
Qurrat Ann Kadwani| Martin J. Mitchell| Mark Butkus| John Watts

eyeBLINK's Fall 2007 season culminated with a collaboration between the Theatre and Dance departments. We explored the themes of what our boundaries are, how we define our limits and how we see ourselves in a world that is constantly trying to define who we are. Performers were asked to create original poems, slam poems, monologues, and dance pieces that reflected these themes. A spoken word artist and a dancer were then paired up to create a collaboration that was both fun and exciting!

View pics here

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PMT Spring Dance Series

April 17-20, 2008
PMT Dance Studios
69 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011

Bidisha Dasgupta of eyeBLINK Dance was invited to perform at PMT dance studio’s annual production. In its 15th season, the PMT Dance Series explores artistic excellence and expression through the work of talented performers, choreographers and dancers. Bidisha performed Indian Classical dance for several audiences throughout the four day festival. EyeBLINK Dance was proud to take part in this professionally staged production.

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Reception

Hosted by The Mayor of the City of New York
Michael R. Bloomberg
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Gracie Mansion
East End Avenue at 88th Street

eyeBLINK was proud to be invited, for the second time, to a reception hosted by Mayor Bloomberg in recognition of Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the U.S. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week which has now expanded to a month long celebration of the achievements of this diverse group of ethnicities. eyeBLINK participated in a question and answer period and networked with other Asian Americans.

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