Welcome.
our mission:
To create a living theater project geared toward groups in NYC most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Somme: A Clear Day.
By William Orpen.
THE CLEAR DAY PROJECT name was inspired by the painting by William Orpen, "The Somme: On a Clear Day" which depicts the shocking beauty Orpen saw on the horizon after his return to the fields of the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Over a million men were killed or wounded, and yet, the fields and mountains in his painting seem glorious. His canvas almost made one forget what happened at that same spot only a few months prior. In the absolute darkness of war, through his art, he found light.
Founder Jordan Dean just prior to open heart surgery at Mount Sinai, 2019.
inception:
Less than a year ago, the dedicated team at Mount Sinai Hospital saved my life.
After two surgeries, including a thirteen-hour open heart procedure, and nearly 2 weeks in the hospital, I gained a first-hand perspective on the value of all hospital employees. The entire staff was critical in my surgery and recovery. Needless to say, I am indebted to their cause. When news of the recent outbreak started, I knew it was my time to return the favor.
I teamed up with two of my fellow Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama Classmates (Dan Amboyer and Kersti Bryan) to create a project that would help support the staff at a hospital that I hold close to my heart ( literally.) Tapping into an amazing network of artists and creators in different disciplines from all over the country, we started "Songs for Mt. Sinai," which brings messages of hope, joy and thanks by the arts community to their entire hospital network of over 42,000 employees.
As that program launched, we knew there was a wider swath of the public who were also due recognition and some gratitude. So we took our idea and built it into something more ambitious. We call it--
The Clear Day Project.
In reference to Orpen’s inspiring painting, above.