Basement Poetry

Basement Poetry Basement Poetry is a devised theatre group that is committed to serving the community through raw and original art that informs its audiences.

Tomorrow, Basement Poetry presents SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, a powerful play about friendship, work, economic struggle, rac...
09/04/2026

Tomorrow, Basement Poetry presents SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, a powerful play about friendship, work, economic struggle, race, and what happens when the systems we depend on begin to change.

For our September 5th performance we’re inviting Lehigh Valley Stands Up to be present for a relaxed community conversation around the themes explored in the play and how they connect to our own community.

SWEAT asks difficult questions about labor, identity, inequality, opportunity, and the relationships that hold us together and sometimes tear us apart.

Join us for an afternoon of theatre, reflection, and conversation.

September 5 | 4:00 PM
Pay-What-You-Can
📍 Allentown, PA

Come see the play. Stay for the conversation.

Meet our final cast member for SWEAT! Meet Wilmari RiveraWilmari Rivera is a 26-year-old Bronx, New York native who was ...
09/03/2026

Meet our final cast member for SWEAT! Meet Wilmari Rivera

Wilmari Rivera is a 26-year-old Bronx, New York native who was raised in the Lehigh Valley. A recent college graduate and certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Wilmari graduated with honors and earned Dean’s List recognition, as well as an AAMA award for her dedication and achievement.

Outside of her professional life, Wilmari enjoys reading, spending time in nature, creating memories with her children, and embracing new experiences. She’s excited to bring her love of the arts, energy, heart, and authenticity to the stage.

Come meet Wilmari and the rest of the cast as we bring Lynn Nottage’s powerful story of friendship, community, work, and change to life.

SWEAT
September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM

Presented by Basement Poetry
Directed by Deirdre Van Walters

Meet the cast of SWEATToday, we’re shining a spotlight on Andrea Hunt-Castillo, a talented theatre artist, educator, and...
09/03/2026

Meet the cast of SWEAT
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Andrea Hunt-Castillo, a talented theatre artist, educator, and valued member of the Basement Poetry family.

Andrea brings more than 30 years of experience working with youth, education, theatre, and community-based programs. Her passion for inclusive practices, creativity, and student-centered engagement makes her an incredible addition to the SWEAT cast.

But Andrea’s connection to Basement Poetry goes beyond the stage. She also serves as the Secretary of the Basement Poetry Board of Directors, helping support the organization’s growth and continued commitment to creating meaningful spaces for artists and community.

We’re grateful to have Andrea not only behind the scenes helping shape Basement Poetry, but also on stage bringing this story to life.

Come see Andrea in SWEAT by Lynn Nottage!

September 4 | 7:00 PM
September 5 | 4:00 PM

Tickets are pay-as-you-will.

Meet the cast of SWEAT! Meet Magnus Lawlor (he/they), who plays Jason in Basement Poetry’s production of SWEAT by Lynn ...
09/02/2026

Meet the cast of SWEAT! Meet Magnus Lawlor (he/they), who plays Jason in Basement Poetry’s production of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, directed by Deirdre Van Walters.

Magnus is no stranger to Lehigh Valley theatre. Their recent credits include Tyler/Manny in If a Tree Falls, Lucas/Broken One in The Fairyman with Darkened Stages Productions, and Calliope/Kelly in She Kills Monsters with NCC Theatre. They’ll also be appearing in Crowded Kitchen Players’ upcoming production of Weimar.

Magnus would like to thank their friends and siblings for all their support and shenanigans—and, of course, their cat Izzy! 🐈

Come meet Magnus and the rest of the cast!

SWEAT by Lynn Nottage
September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Pay-What-You-Will

Meet the Cast of SWEAT! We’re excited to welcome Rachel Williams (Tracey) to the cast of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, presente...
08/30/2026

Meet the Cast of SWEAT!
We’re excited to welcome Rachel Williams (Tracey) to the cast of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, presented by Basement Poetry and directed by Deirdre Van Walters.

Rachel brings an impressive list of stage credits, including Marjorie in The Moors, Stevie in The Goat, Aimee in The Humans, and Sarah in Time Stands Still. She is also the owner of Between the Lines Studio located in Allentown,PA!
We’re grateful to have her talent and energy as part of this powerful reading.

Come meet Rachel and the rest of the cast!

Between the Lines Studio
725 N. 15th St., Allentown, PA
September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Pay-what-you-will

SWEAT explores friendship, work, identity, class, and what happens when economic change reshapes a community.

Meet the Cast of SWEAT | Jeremy CruzBorn in New York and raised in Allentown, Jeremy Cruz entered the poetry scene in Ap...
08/29/2026

Meet the Cast of SWEAT | Jeremy Cruz

Born in New York and raised in Allentown, Jeremy Cruz entered the poetry scene in April 2025 and hasn’t taken his foot off the gas since.

A dedicated father, Jeremy draws from lived experience and spiritual insight to create work that speaks to growth, pain, purpose, and authenticity. His powerful storytelling and unapologetic presence make him a compelling voice both on the page and on stage.

Now, he’s bringing that intensity to the stage in Basement Poetry’s reading of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, directed by Deirdre Van Walters.

Between the Lines Studio
September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Pay-What-You-Will

Come meet Jeremy and the rest of the cast. SWEAT is coming to Allentown.

Meet Jean Maldonado, who joins the cast of SWEAT as Oscar.Jean is thrilled to make his theatrical debut and bring Oscar’...
08/28/2026

Meet Jean Maldonado, who joins the cast of SWEAT as Oscar.

Jean is thrilled to make his theatrical debut and bring Oscar’s story to life. When he’s not on stage, Jean enjoys freelance modeling, reading, and spending time with his beloved cat, Lucas.

We’re excited to welcome Jean to the SWEAT family!

SWEAT by Lynn Nottage
September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Between the Lines Studio Allentown, PA

Come meet Jean and the rest of the cast!

Meet the Cast of SWEAT! Tyronn is an award-winning director and writer based in the Lehigh Valley. His work has been rec...
08/27/2026

Meet the Cast of SWEAT!

Tyronn is an award-winning director and writer based in the Lehigh Valley. His work has been recognized by multiple film festivals, including the Allentown Film Festival’s first-year run for up-and-coming filmmakers, as well as festivals in India and the U.K.

His 2021 film RED was released on YouTube and earned more than 400 views in its first four months.

Now, he’s joining the cast of SWEAT.

Basement Poetry presents SWEAT by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Deirdre Van Walters

📍 Between the Lines Studio
725 N. 15th St., Allentown, PA

September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM

Tickets are pay-what-you-will.

Come meet the cast. Come hear the story. Come experience SWEAT.

Meet the Cast of SWEAT: PR3ACHPR3ACH — The Prodigal Prophet. The verse they skipped.A spoken word artist, actor, creativ...
08/26/2026

Meet the Cast of SWEAT: PR3ACH

PR3ACH — The Prodigal Prophet. The verse they skipped.

A spoken word artist, actor, creative visionary, and founder of Forged in Fire, PR3ACH creates work rooted in truth, vulnerability, survival, and transformation.

From performing at Musikfest to appearing in Basement Poetry’s Tiny Beautiful Things and Topdog/Underdog, PR3ACH now steps into the world of scripted theater once again as part of the cast of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage.

His work explores faith, trauma, masculinity, fatherhood, love, and the truths we often leave unspoken.

Whether behind the microphone or beneath the theater lights, PR3ACH’s purpose remains the same: tell the truth, make people feel something, and leave the stage different than he found it.

Come see PR3ACH in SWEAT.

September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Between the Lines Studio
725 N. 15th St., Allentown, PA

Tickets are pay-what-you-will.

SpokenWord PR3ACH

Meet the Cast of SWEAT!Today, we’re introducing Zena Goodwin, bringing her talent, heart, and powerful perspective to th...
08/25/2026

Meet the Cast of SWEAT!

Today, we’re introducing Zena Goodwin, bringing her talent, heart, and powerful perspective to the cast of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage.

A native of Easton, PA and a graduate of Messiah University with a B.A. in Psychology, Zena is the founder and director of Poets for Justice. Her work lives at the intersection of truth, healing, and transformation.
Join us for this powerful play reading exploring friendship, race, class, work, and economic struggle.

September 4 at 7:00 PM
September 5 at 4:00 PM
Between the Lines Studio Theatre
725 N. 15th St., Allentown, PA

Get your tickets: Eventbrite — SWEAT: A Play Reading

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