We went to the world premiere production of Something Happened in Our Town at the Children’s Theatre, in Minneapolis. It was a play written for children to address racism and police shootings, particularly of black men. It was produced to help parents address these difficult subjects with their own children. It is based on a book by the same title, and it was well done.
The playwright, Cheryl L. West, states in the program, “In a time of reckoning in our country, this work is a call to action, to facilitate the much-needed discussion about inclusion, compassion, and what it really means to be peace makers in our homes, schools, and communities. Hopefully, this story will move us one step closer to healing our racial divide.”
The young actors did an awesome job. We stayed after the play for a Q&A session, and learned how mature and wise they were, and how much they learned by putting on this production. There were psychologists in attendance at rehearsals, so when there were some difficult scenes someone was there to help the performers process them. I was grateful our church acquired tickets and encouraged us to attend this event. It was worthwhile.
March 27th was the last performance of this play here in Minneapolis. It will be interesting to see what happens next…will other theaters pick up on this play and produce in other places in the country?
This sounds like a must-see play with a powerful message. And, yes, I hope other venues host this production.
I’m also impressed that your church would acquire tickets. Now that’s creative thinking and outreach.
The play did have a powerful message, and I’m grateful to have learned about the play through our church, so we could attend.
What a hopeful event when there is so much exclusion energy afoot in the land!
I agree.
I have just listened to a TED talk on ‘The Danger of a Single Story’ told by a novelist from Africa regarding the danger of listening to just one side of any story. She gave an example of her American college roommate thought everyone in Nigeria was poor and ignorant which is entirely false. Had she dealt into other stories, she would have found out other stories of how many aspects of the middle class life this author came from was similar to her American friend. I also read an article tonight regarding the Critical Race Theory and how many states don’t want it mentioned in school because some children might think differently than their parents/grandparents about white supremacy. As I read your article on this wonderful play you saw, it reminded me of what else I’ve read this evening. Of course, our dream world would be full of peacemakers and we wouldn’t have to worry any more of wars!
Yes, peacemakers are what we need, and what we need to be.
Wow, what a moving experience you must have had. I think everyone should see that play. If you find out that it is playing anywhere else it would be wonderful to know, as I would want to go and see it.