Elizabeth Swados Libros

Runaways is a collection of songs dances and spoken word pieces performed by children who have run away from their homes. Initially created from interviews with homeless children and those in orphanages Liz Swados' unique piece weaves songs about personal struggle and the world at large through the eyes of youth in New York City in the '70s. The show blends different musical styles from pop to hip-hop and jazz to reggae while asking why children can't remain children. The licensed version of Runaways reflects the version performed by Encores in 2016.

The adaptation presents a vibrant "music hall" interpretation of the classic tales, blending whimsical characters and imaginative settings with engaging musical elements. It captures the essence of Lewis Carroll's original works while offering a fresh, lively experience that showcases the playful and surreal aspects of Wonderland and the Looking Glass. Expect a mix of humor, creativity, and enchanting performances that breathe new life into the beloved stories.

Improvisational theater serves as an ideal creative outlet for junior-high and high-school students, yet it remains underutilized in classrooms. Elizabeth Swados, a multifaceted artist, emphasizes the need for proper tools and guidance to help young people harness the potential of this rigorous art form. Her insights highlight the natural synergy between youth and improvisation, advocating for its inclusion in educational settings to foster creativity and expression.

The memoir explores the complexities of long-term depression through a blend of humor and vulnerability. The author vividly illustrates the emotional turmoil, from despair to self-acceptance, while detailing unconventional coping strategies like diet changes and therapy. With whimsical drawings, the narrative captures both the darkness and the small joys of life, emphasizing resilience and the importance of finding happiness in everyday moments, such as enjoying pizza or dancing in the streets. It serves as a heartfelt testament to surviving mental illness.

This intimate journey through long-term depression is by turns tender, funny, poignant, and uplifting. Swados' charming words and frenzied drawings bring home the experience of severe depression, from the black cloud forming on the horizon to feelings of self-loathing and loss of self-confidence; from contemplating suicide, which Swados describes as wandering off into the Sahara desert (discounting the buzzards and the scorpions), to actively seeking out methods for fighting depression—including psychics, diet, and repression therapy—to experimenting with antidepressants that make you snippy, sleepy, or judgmental. My Depression is an engaging and heartening memoir of an illness that has been stigmatized for too long and on how it is possible to survive, one little challenge at a time, with medication and the occasional tasty, messy slice of pizza; with dancing to a boombox on the street and thanking the mailman for the newest catalogue, then proceeding to read it cover to cover!

The book presents a unique "Passover oratorio" that recounts the story of Moses and the Exodus through an innovative blend of masks and puppetry. Originally showcased during Passover at the New York Shakespeare Festival, this production offers a simple yet engaging narrative that highlights the significant events of Moses' life. Its creative approach sets it apart, making it a distinctive interpretation of a classic tale.