By JENNY SHARP

For Eva Bornstein, director of the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, advocating the necessity of art in a community comes with a ferocity in language that’s tangible. “Without art, we are monkeys in the trees, eating and surviving,” Bornstein told the Norwood News.

For Bornstein, an immigrant who fled communist Poland to pursue a career in acting, art and performance are far more than extracurricular activities intended to fill time and eliminate boredom. In her opinion, culture is the lynchpin of a successful society and without it, “we have no soul.”

Over nearly a decade as director, she has managed to transform the Lehman Center into a cultural hotspot in the Bronx and a jewel in the crown of an economically disadvantaged borough by providing highly diverse seasons fitting for her multi-cultural theatergoers. Past headliners included high talents such as Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Bolton, The Moscow Classical Ballet, BB King, and Puerto Rico’s El Gran Combo.

This spring’s lineup is no different, with performances that range from classical dance to hip-hop to salsa to R&B. Some highlights include Andy Montañez, widely considered the “Godfather of Salsa” on April 18. The Center is also producing a new program on April 25 entitled “Broadway Moves to the Bronx,” a night where the stars of Broadway hop the uptown train, bringing musical theatre classics to the Bronx with them.

So how does Eva Bornstein, an almost prolific figure lauded by The New York Times for her unique approach to programming, create a season like this? “It is extremely nerve wracking and it’s all about risk taking,” said Bornstein.

She described her seasons as the standard repertoire, a sort of cultural review that reaches beyond what is traditionally considered high art like philharmonics and ballet to include the superstars of other cultures such as Montañez. “Culture is a part of our history,” said Bornstein, who also seeks to highlight the unique musical history of the Bronx this season with its Fever Re-Union: Old School Hip Hop Concert on May 9.

In a borough that’s the birthplace of hip-hop, the Center is reuniting local musicians who created this genre that’s influenced the world.

But in an area where money is tight, some might say that the ticket prices, which can run from $10 to as much as $100, is too much to ask of struggling working class families for one night of entertainment.

But Bornstein is adamant that these prices are relatively inexpensive for the level of performance, believing the performance is an investment worth making. Additionally the Center’s commitment to the community is evident, offering $10 tickets to anyone under age 12 to some of its many events. This opens the doors to families and engages a younger audience who might otherwise be unable to access live performances.

“Without art we become consumers,” said Bornstein. At the Lehman Center, the experience is often one that doesn’t require a mantle, but builds cultural knowledge that serves as a foundation for engaged and well-rounded individuals.

When asked about her hopes for Lehman Center in future seasons, Bornstein articulated a desire to attract not only residents of the Bronx with its programming but also tourists. “The Bronx is a sophisticated, interesting community,” she said, explaining that she plans to continue her work with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to support artistic growth within the Bronx hoping it will create a magnet for outside attention.

For a full list of this season’s performances, visit the website for the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts at lehmancenter.org or call their box office at (718) 960-8833.