After the industrial gloom of Akron and the business centres of Cleveland's downtown, the Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) feels like a different universe.

The Mission: Art as a Weapon

CPT isn't just a place for entertainment. Its mission is to raise awareness and develop compassion through innovative performances and educational programs that change lives. The theatre focuses on developing new, adventurous projects and supports artists from Greater Cleveland and the Akron area — especially those whose work is inventive, intellectual, and socially oriented.

Their famous educational programs engage youth and adults in creating new works that touch on current issues, giving participants the opportunity to work on positive social changes.

The Russian Connection

During our visit to the theatre, our delegation unexpectedly met a compatriot.

Anastasia Urozhaeva (Head of the Ensemble Work Group) Anastasia was born in Russia but now lives in Cleveland. She has been performing with the CPT troupe since the creation of the art installation "When the Shell Broke" in 2018.

Her portfolio is impressive and diverse:

• Cuerpo de Mujer, Alma de Diosa (Cleveland Public Theatre).
• Assistant Director / Line Producer for Candlelight Hypothesis.
• Director of Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi.
• The Outstretched Hand.
• Line Producer for the American premiere of Requiem.

The Final Act

We watched the production "Back to once upon a time." It was the perfect conclusion to our program of events in Cleveland. It felt like a full circle — from the industrial ruins of the Rust Belt to the raw, honest energy of independent art.

After the performance, my team and I set off to conquer Niagara Falls and the state of Maine.

David Polyakov (Special Correspondent for API TV from Cleveland, Ohio, USA)