Throughout its history, Intiman Theatre has mounted beloved classics from the world canon, introduced audiences to little-known masterpieces and presented bold new works from some of the most dazzling writers in contemporary theater. One of its guiding principles is that through the arts, the theater can help create significant connections between its work, audiences and fellow citizens.
In 2002, The Allen Foundation for the Arts provided funding assistance for Intiman Theatre's world premiere of Nickel and Dimed, a theatrical adaptation of Barbara Ehrenreichs acclaimed book about the lives of America's working poor. Adapted by Joan Holden and directed by Bartlett Sher, Nickel and Dimed—commissioned, developed and premiered at Intiman—told the story of author Barbara Ehrenreich's journey from middle-class America to low-wage America to document the challenges faced by the working poor. Working minimum-wage jobs and living in a trailer, motels and apartments across America, she exposed herself to the challenges of those who live paycheck to paycheck despite their efforts to climb out of poverty. The play received positive attention in the national media, and in the short time since its debut, has become one of the most-produced plays in the United States.
Artistic Director Bartlett Sher said, "All of us have what [Ehrenreich] calls a 'fear of falling.' We wonder what would happen if we lost our job, if we ended up at the bottom, if for some reason calamity struck and we had to go into a labor force at a level that we had never been used to. That fear is one that all of us—especially in these extremely complicated times—carry very deeply in the backs of our minds, and is one I think the theater can help us face, explore and move through."
The production of Nickel and Dimed also included collaborative partnerships between Intiman Theatre and a committee composed of representatives from a broad spectrum of regional community organizations. This group helped raise awareness about living wages, housing costs, childcare, health insurance and transportation—and the impact these have on the working poor. A special Web site, an expanded play guide, a photo gallery and community conversations also helped tell a local story about life in low-wage America.
"Nickel and Dimed was made possible thanks to The Allen Foundation for the Arts collaborating with partners who share its dedication to risk-taking and innovation," said Laura Penn, Intiman's managing director. "They're deeply invested in creating opportunities for artists and organizations to advance their work in vital, creative ways. Because of Intiman's approach to public participation and critical thinking, it was able to create a compelling and provocative new work while addressing complex social and economic issues and creating a forum to exchange ideas between diverse groups of people."
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Nickel and Dimed
Photo credit: Chris Bennion
Courtesy of Intiman Theatre
Nickel and Dimed
Photo credit: Craig Schwartz
Courtesy of Intiman Theatre
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