UPSTANDERS ONSTAGE:
Performances for Social Change

Cincinnati Art Museum Parking Lot
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Sunday, May 16
Seating Opens at 5 p.m.
Event Starts at 6 p.m.

Welcome and Introduction
Host: Piper N. Davis
Throughout the evening, Piper will provide insight and interactive activities around the work being presented.

Monologue from Trouble in Mind
Playwright: Alice Childress
Performer: A.J. Baldwin
A damnation of racism in American theatre, Trouble in Mind recounts the story of Wiletta Mayer, a black actress cast in a new “progressive” play by a white male playwright. Wiletta quickly finds that progressiveness has not found its way into the script or the rehearsal room. In this monologue Wiletta shares her frustrations with the lines she has been given and the perception they create.

Music set by Jayda Klink
Cincinnati-based music artist Jada Klink will present approximately 10 minutes of covered songs.

Scene from Intimate Apparel
Playwright: Lynn Nottage
Performers: A.J. Baldwin and Gerold Young II
Intimate Apparel tells the story of a young Black seamstress, Esther, in the first few years of the 20th century. This play is littered with constant reminders of how racism effects Esther's everyday life, however, at the end of the day, it is a story about finding identity and love in a world that has already defined both for you. This scene focuses on Esther and her husband George and the stress their relationship is under.

Poetry by Isha Rai
In this first piece, Cincinnati-based artist Isha Rai explores issues of race, hate, and bias as social issues.

Dramaturgical Information and Activities
Host: Piper N. Davis

Monologue — Nobody Knows
Playwright: Curtis Shepard
Performer: Curtis Shepard
Written by Cincinnati local Curtis Shepard, Nobody Knows is a musically poetic monologue focusing on ways to cope when the air gets trapped in your chest. When exhaling feels like the worst possible option, where do you turn?

Monologue from Twilight: Los Angeles
Playwright: Anna Deavere Smith
Performer: Julia Gomez
Twilight: Los Angeles is an exploration of the city of L.A. as civil disobedience and riots blaze through the streets in the days following the verdict of the Rodney King v. The Central District of California case. Smith uses the perspectives of many L.A. residents, including Paula Weinstein. In this monologue, Paula shares her experience with a community created by outrage and those who couldn’t be bothered by injustice.

Music Set by Chaya Jones
Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Chaya Jones will present original and covered songs.

Monologue – Get Off of Me
Playwright: Curtis Shepard
Performer: Curtis Shepard
The monologue Get Off of Me, written and performed by Cincinnati local Curtis Shepard, poetically tells a story of anger and retaliation sparked from abuse. As the words “Get of off me!” echo through the space, understand that ignoring them is not an option.

Poetry
Performer: Isha Rai
In this short and mighty poem, poet D.A. Powell explores violence, death, and indifference.

Dramaturgical Information and Activities
Host: Piper N. Davis

Monologue – The Spirit of Dopeness
Playwright: Elliott Young
Performer: Gerold Young II
Written by Cincinnati local Elliott Young, The Spirit of Dopeness is a celebration of Black culture as well as a barrage against all would suffocate that culture. To Elliott Young, Dopeness is the perfect combination of the beauty, strength, ingenuity and innovation that Black American culture embodies.

Music set by Jayda Klink
Cincinnati-based music artist Jada Klink will present approximately 10 minutes of covered songs.

Scene from The A-List
Playwright: Carolyn Guido Clifford
Performers: Julia Gomez and Gerold Young II
Written by Cincinnati local Carolyn Guido Clifford, this scene from The A-List spotlights Corey and Ruth as Corey struggles with a decision Ruth made long ago. What happens when you don’t feel guilt for something you are told you’re supposed to, and is that guilt deserved?

Poetry by Isha Rai
In this original piece, Cincinnati-based artist Isha Rai explores the hate generated by Coronavirus towards the Asian community.

Dramaturgical Information and Activities
Host: Piper N. Davis

Monologue from 26 Pebbles
Playwright: Eric Ulloa
Performer: Julia Gomez
Based on a series of interviews conducted by the Playwright, Eric Ulloa uses the voices of those most effected to tell the story of the shooting at Sandyhook Elementary School. 26 lives lost like pebbles thrown into a pond leaving ripples for those still above the surface. In this particular monologue, a town resident, Carla, discusses the ripples she has felt.

Music Set by Chaya Jones
Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Chaya Jones will present original and covered songs.

Scene – Vince and Veronica Interview
Playwright: Curtis Shepard
Performers: Curtis Shepard and A.J. Baldwin
This scene, written by Cincinnati local Curtis Shepard, takes place in Grafton Correction Institution in Lorain County, Ohio. A man awaiting the end of his life sentence receives a visit from someone who believes him to be innocent. The truth may set him free, but is there anything waiting for him on the outside?

Poetry
Performer: Isha Rai
Isha reads one of her favorite poems by the amazing Maya Angelou: "Still I Rise."

Closing
Host: Piper N. Davis