[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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 IN RECOGNITION OF MARIE SWAJESKI, FOUNDER OF THE DELAWARE CHILDREN'S 
                                THEATRE

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I wish to rise today to recognize 
Marie Swajeski, founder of the Children's Repertory Theatre, now known 
as the Delaware Children's Theatre. Marie has dedicated her life to 
children and the theater. She literally has touched the lives of 
thousands.
  Marie was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late David and Helen 
Mondillo. Growing up in Philadelphia, she met her husband John at a 
dance hall shortly before World War II. They married a few years later 
in 1949. The couple moved to Delaware in 1951 when John took a job at 
Dupont.
  Marie's passion for the theater and to make people happy began at an 
early age. She carried this kindred spirit through adulthood and began 
direction of theatrical productions in the 1960s for the Ardensingers 
Candlelight Dinner Theatre and the Catholic Youth Organization. She 
became involved in both adult and children's activities, and in 1969 
became chairwoman of the opera society's Junior Division, today known 
as the Family Opera Theatre. Marie's community theater experience 
involvement spans a wide variety of activities, including actor, 
director, choreographer, producer, and theater arts instructor.
  But Marie had a dream and a desire to do more. She wanted to leave a 
legacy for generations to come. In 1973, she founded and became the 
artistic director of the Children's Repertory Theatre, now known as the 
Delaware Children's Theatre, DCT. Rehearsing in various basements and 
garages, a touring company of children and adults was formed to bring 
professional quality theater to schools, parks, retirement and nursing 
homes, hospitals, and colleges throughout Delaware.
  Marie set her goals and standards high. At the time, many people 
thought that there would be little interest in children's theater. 
Marie proved them wrong. She was a true pioneer. Her strong belief that 
children would benefit from watching and participating in live theater 
carried her through this challenging period of time.
  She assembled an army of enthusiasts and volunteers who shared her 
vision. For the next 10 years, they conducted educational workshops for 
children. DCT received grant money from the Delaware Arts Council in 
the early years to perform and tour schools throughout the State. In 
its first decade, DCT presented to critical acclaim over 700 
performances to more than 90,000 children.
  Over the years, the demand for more children's theater began to grow. 
The Delaware Children's Theatre needed a home. In 1984, the DCT bought 
the New Century Club Building on Delaware Avenue in Wilmington. It 
became more than just a theater to house productions; it has become a 
magical second home to thousands of children.
  DCT has served others as well since its inception. In the early 
years, the DCT offered free summer workshops for underprivileged 
children. DCT's outreach group, The Rainbow Players, often performs at 
the Ronald McDonald House, River Fest--benefiting The Boys & Girls 
Club--Ministry of Caring, and nursing homes.
  It is through Marie's hard work and perseverance that the lives of 
hundreds of thousands of children have been changed. She has helped 
shape and enrich the lives of thousands on the stage of the theater, 
and in the hearts of those who have been lucky enough to call her their 
friend. I rise today to honor and thank Marie for her selfless 
dedication to the betterment of others. She truly is a remarkable woman 
and a testament to the community she represents.

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