Ladies' Auxiliary Telephone Bee

POLYBE + SEATS is proud to present THE LADIES' AUXILIARY TELEPHONE BEE, in which politicized performers call activists, specialists, and those in the know to interview them live about their experiences both personal and political. The Ladies of Polybe + Seats (and our dedicated team of Gentleman Callers) are always ready to bust out their party clothes (and cloches) to celebrate democracy with the help of modern telecommunications.

The BEE debuted in October as a part of Polybe's floating SpeakEasy, with CALLING ALL SWING STATES, an exploration of day-to-day life experiences on the muddy battleground for the White House. We learned about the impact this campaign had on the every-day lives of Floridians, Coloradoans, Ohioans, and Michiganders. CALLING ALL SWING STATES moved on to The Tank a week later as a benefit for MoveOnPAC.  The Telephone Bee returned during the blizzard of January 2005 with a benefit for NARAL Pro-choice New York.   Our callers and crowd snow-shoed it to the Tank to hear conversations with NARAL activists, medical practitioners, lawyers, and women who have chosen. More recently, we presented A CALL TO ARMS, or PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR TROOPS ARE.  On the 2nd anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, we examined the successes, disappointments, problems, and possibilities of this highly controversial military engagement.  Callers spoke with veterans of the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, Veterans Association Medical personnel, current GIs, and an anti-war activist or two.  Proceeds from the Call to Arms Telephone Bee went to Operation Truth, a veterans' organization with an activist agenda.  In the latest in our series of intrepid investigations, we presented GIMME SHELTER: FRAMING THE DEBATE ON PUBLIC HOUSING as part of the Brick's Moral Values Festival, But, say you, this event was part of a moral values festival! What has housing to do with moral values? To which we respond: Absolutely everything. On the sage advice of George Lakoff (Don't Think of an Elephant), we decided to broaden the discussion on an issue that highlights the moral issues of right and wrong, the prejudices and resources of those in charge, and the theories and practical applications that directly affect millions of Americans. We talked with political writers and consultants, religious and civic leaders, someone without a home, and others about the urgent and historically complex problem of subsidized and public housing in the US. 

Have an idea for the next Telephone Bee?  Drop us a line at info@polybeandseats.org.

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