Barry University’s Department of Fine Arts presents “What Do You Make?” the Taylor Mali Project, for three days of free public performances for the  South Florida Community and one “special performance” (free of charge) for Dade County public, private and parochial schools. “What Do You Make?” brings award-winning director, actor, and educator Elena Garciato the Barry University campus to adapt and direct this social justice theatrical event, which is based on the work of spoken-word artist and lecturer Taylor Mali. Through dynamic sound, choreography and spoken word, the Taylor Mali project focuses on the simple yet inspiring words, “What do you make?” to elevate the vocation of teaching and the love of learning.

Mali is a vocal advocate for teachers and the nobility of teaching, having himself spent nine years in the classroom teaching everything from English and history, to math and SAT test preparation. He has performed and lectured for teachers all over the world and his has a goal of creating 1,000 new teachers through “poetry, persuasion and perseverance.”

He is the author of two books of poetry, Write Bloody Books (2009) and (Hanover 2002), and four CDs of spoken word. He received a New York Foundation for the Arts grant in 2001 to develop Teacher! Teacher! a one-man show about poetry, teaching and math.

Elena Maria Garcia is the artistic director of Underdog Productions and the cofounder and artistic director of Bluedog School of Acting for Kids. She is the recipient of two Carbonell Awards. She has written and produced her one person show, Do You Speak Mexican? and is the founding member of Separate Checks Improv Toupe (Orlando Fringe Festival Umbrella Award for Best Theater Group), Fuakata (bilingual improv/sketch/video improv troupe), Quien Sigue a Quien (the first Spanish speaking improv troupe in the U.S.) and the first all-female improv troupe on the East Coast, Big Purse and Matching Shoes.

The length of the show is approximately one hour and is suitable for middle school students and older folks. “What Do You Make?” has been made possible by the generous support of the Miami Salon Group and Citizens Interested in Arts Inc.

What: “What Do You Make?” the Taylor Mali Project, theatrical production. For more information or for school bookings John Manzelli, Assistant Professor of Theatre at 305-899-3291 or e-mail [email protected]. Dates: Thursday, Feb. 24, 7 pm Friday, Feb. 25, 10,am (special performance for local schools) & 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 26, 7 pm Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 pm Where: Shephard K. Broad Auditorium, Barry University, 11300 NE Second Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161