Tribute to the Harlem Renaissance February 2010
Issues addressed: Recognition of historical figures, personal potential
Performed at Writers Block ink Community Arts Center
The Writers Block journeys to the Harlem of the 1920’s and 1930’s and gives voice to the bravery and commitment of the Harlem Hellfighters, and the joy and tragedy of Zora Neale Hurston’s personal story while celebrating the music and poetry of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Langston Hughes. This performance also highlighted the unlimited potential within each individual and the importance of striving to achieve ones dreams.
Three Houses Down August 2009
Issues addressed: Secrets, Bullying, Sexual Orientation, Teenage Pregnancy, Alcohol Abuse
Performed at BP Learned Mission
While the drama club students at a local school prepare for a performance of Hamlet, the central question “ To be or not to be” plays out in the lives of the cast as they and their families learn that burying issues only makes them worse. As secrets are uncovered, their strength as individuals and their bonds to their families, friends and communities are tested.
Girls on the Block December 2009
Issues addressed: Abuse, Empowerment, Friendship
Performed at CB Jennings Elementary School
The Story of the Block December 2008
Issues addressed: Dreams, Community
Performed at Writers Block, New London
Students recount the history of the Writers Block Ink, reliving it’s birth at the heart of New London, the inspiration and stories behind the founders, and the groups progression and growth. This high energy performance incorporated dance, song, poetry and rap to capture the spirit and energy of the organization and its students. 150 members of the local community witnessed this Writers Block Ink dedication and thanks to the New London community for its support during the groups first 5 years.
Same Body Different Wounds August 2008
Issues addressed: Bullying, Community, HIV/AIDS
Performed at Eugene O’Neil Theater
Students at a local school learn the importance of honesty, community and compassion when they face the death of a beloved school counselor at the hands of a classmate. While the consequences of secrets and peer pressure lead to devastating and life-changing effects, the power of love, forgiveness, and friendship within families and communities is learned and reaffirmed.
The Hour Glass December 2007
Issues addressed: Love, Life, Time, Family, War, Terrorism
Performed at Connecticut College
This song and dance revue begins when two children discover an old album in their grandmothers attic. As they view the pictures and ask questions, their grandmother takes them on a trip down memory lane that evokes the roaring 20’s, World War I, Blues, Jazz World War II, the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam war, 80’s, and 90’s and ends with the events of 9/11 and the Iraq War
The Road to Home August 2007
Issues addressed: Home, Loss, Disaster, Refugees, War, Victimization, Hurricane Katrina, Darfur
Performed at New London High School
Two young Louisiana children who lost their mother and home to Hurricane Katrina are settling into life in New England when they here of the plight of the refugees in Darfur. Inspired by the charity that they’ve received and a desire to stop feeling like victims, they organize a variety show to raise funds to send to Darfur. The show explores the concept of home, the definition of the term and how it can evolve while increasing student awareness of national and international events that impact our lives and those of the global community.
Glitter and Gold November 2006
Issues addressed: Success, Jealousy, Drug Abuse, Materialism
Performed at Crocker House
Written for our first extravaganza, this performance highlights the world of show business and the difficult challenges faced by those who are a part of the entertainment industry. Set at a 1980’s award ceremony, it includes fictional characters such as Brittney Houston, Anna Mae and Mike Turner, Mike Jackson many of whom are struggling with life’s challenges while striving for success in a difficult environment.
The Elements of Hopes Inferno August 2006
Issues addressed: Rape, Despair, Incarceration, Community Activism, Racism, Abuse, Classism.
Performed at New London High School
Hope High School was a mainstay of the community for generations but time has not been kind, performance on standardized tests are down, dropout rates are high and the school is badly in need of repair. The City Council must choose between investing in the youth by repairing the school or razing the school, sending the kids to other towns and constructing a mall. The community is divided on the issue personal biases and are all brought to the forefront of the debate. In the midst of the debate, the school burns down and the community must influence the Council to reach a decision for the greater good.
The Struggle August 2005
Issues addressed: Teenage Parenthood, Racial Profiling, Peer Pressure, Friendship.
Performed at New London High School
Students write about their personal experiences voicing everything from the hope-filled innocence of favorite things such as chocolate and bike riding to the feel of pavement against the cheek as young men are pulled over and questioned by police for no clear reason. The Struggle is a gripping and challenging montage of the real-life experiences, concerns and perspectives of today’s youth as they struggle to make sense of the world, their place in it and find a path towards their future.
Chastity’s Choice August 2004
Issues addressed: Teen-age Pregnancy, Promiscuity, Peer Pressure and Gang Violence.
Performed at Eastern Connecticut State University
Chastity is a 15 year who struggles with her appearance and is always trying to please others and fit in. Chastity lives with her father Bloc because her mother is unfit. She wants to be accepted and feel loved more than anything, but confuses love and physical intimacy. Her relationship with her father is strained, and he too busy hustling and dating to truly realize her need for adult attention. Though her father has forbidden her from dating until she turns 16, Chastity has a boyfriend named Jay, who has big dreams for the future. Chastity must identify and address her issues and make a sound decision.
Center Stage June 2004
Issues addressed: Teenage Suicide and Drug Abuse, Peer Pressure and Family Dysfunction, Gang Violence
Performed at Mitchell College
Center Stage explores the social dynamics of youth, friendships, peer pressure and suicide. Set at present day Block High (a small urban school), the production focuses on the interdependence of aspiring young hip-hop artists in a band called Versatyle. Dephinite, the leader of Versatyle, had an older brother named Street who was dealing drugs and gunned down the day he got signed to a major label. Dephinite is determined to make it big in honor of her brother’s memory. Center stage is an exploration of choices and group dynamics, illustrating the power of the individual and the group and the importance of friendships and faith.
The Battle July 2003
Issues addressed: Drug Trafficking, Broken Homes, and Teen Violence, Peer pressure
Performed at Connecticut College
A lyrical journey through lives of urban youth constructed solely with spoken word poetry and rap to help students convey their story. The Battle is about their struggle. It’s about Flow, a 16 year old black male trying to pave a way for himself and find his future—trying to find his flow. Will he join 70% of his peers and end up dead or in prison before graduation, or can he make it through the challenges of the street? It’s about Faith, Rippa, Spirit, Holla, Lyric, DJ Booty, Ice, Mind Control (aka M.C.)—just a few of the cast, their names provide a peek into their roles and their souls.
Warrior’s Don’t Cry February 2003
Issues addressed: Racism, Poverty, Segregation, Hate Crimes and War
Collaboration with The Garde Art’s Center Institute for Creativity
Performed at the Garde Arts Theater
An adaptation of Melba Pattillo Beal’s personal account of school integration in the late 1950’s, Warriors Don’t Cry is the story of the Little Rock 9—some of the first black students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Student writers and performance poets from local schools reflected upon Melba’s experiences in the late 50’s and to create an original product that addresses and compares present-day issues of racism, poverty, and discrimination.
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