Touchstone Theater kicks off Festival UnBound with Latinx Block Party in Bethlehem

Touchstone Theater kicks off Festival UnBound with Latinx Block Party in Bethlehem

By Jen Rehill

September 4, 2020

Bethlehem’s Touchstone Theater is kicking off this year’s “Festival UnBound” Tonight with a “Latinx Block Party” on the city’s south side. 

When Touchstone launched Festival UnBound last year – it was 10 days of theatrical performances, live music and showcased voices from Bethlehem’s diverse communities. 

Artistic Director J.P. Jordan says the vision is the same this year, but the logistics have changed.  

“Instead we look at – how can once a week we get together in an outdoor venue that’s socially distanced and give voice to the community and create art based upon that voice,” said Jordan.

Ensemble member Emma Ackerman says despite the challenges, revamping the festival in response to the pandemic has worked.

“So much of what we do is in direct response to our community, to current events, to what we see in the world. But right now it’s literally like, ‘Okay, what can we actually do? What are the things that this current situation allows us to do, and how can we expand to fill those walls?,” says Ackerman.

Tonight’s block party was created with leaders from the city’s Latino and Hispanic communities, and features live music from the Hector Rosado Latin Jazz Experience.

Other events include a marionette play, storytelling from health worker and the premier of “Dictators for Dummies,” a movie musical with toy action figures. 

Festival UnBound starts tonight and includes weekly events through October 16.

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