by Shawn Nowlin
Defined as a “preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience,” the vast majority of Americans, according to the Pew Research Center, have roots of unconscious prejudice.
Lift Every Voice, based on a true story, is a Virginia Children’s Theatre (VCT) play that examines the impact of prejudice and racism at an urban high school. The premise is as follows after a racist message is shared around the school and on social media, a group of teens suddenly find themselves exploring privilege, loyalty, and their own history. The cast includes Imani Jackson as Grace; Bella Turner as Amy; Taylor Helm as Jade; Alivia Brown as Star; Malissa Louis as Ricky and Annabelle Coles as Tanya.
A great deal of preparation went into last weekend’s three performances at Fostek Hall in the Jefferson Center.
The creative team is comprised of VCT Assistant Director of Education Iyanna Huffington, Brett Roden (producer), Jimmy Ward (set designer), Barry Gawinski (lighting designer), Emily Fruendt (resident stage manager) and Kenzie Conner (props master).
“It is important that Virginia Children’s Theatre is producing this story because we live in a very diverse community with deep historical roots, both good and bad. VCT strives to create a safe and accepting environment for every child and their families, this is a step to do so on a community-wide scale,” Huffington said. “While this story focuses on racial relationships between teens, it is an important story for all ages as we move forward together as a society. All of us have a place at the table.”
James Barnes, a father of two, described the play as “deeply humanizing.”
One scene, in particular, stood out, he explained, adding, “When I was on my high school track & field team, I hit the wall of overt prejudice for the first time. Racism is a heavy topic with extreme cultural relevance. The dismissiveness of one’s experience just because they have a different skin color really hit home for me.”
“Each and every day it is our goal [at VCT] to be accessible and equitable to all of our students, patrons, partners, and families no matter race, ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. Although we have come a long way as a community, we still have a long way to go,” said Roden.
After the play that received a standing ovation, a panel consisting of Ryan Bell, Founder of Black Father Family Initiative; Decca Knight, board member at Points of Diversity; Brenda Russ, Principal of Round Hill Elementary School and freelance race and gender equity consultant Kiesha Preston, continued the conversation by answering a variety of questions.
During the Q&A segment, an audience member asked, “Why is it the responsibility of Black people to explain their plight to White people?”
“We have to be willing and unafraid to challenge the things that are not right in our society. Giving grace to those with different perspectives is something that we can take back at any time when we feel it isn’t warranted,” Bell responded.
“I think when we are engaging with people who do not say anything when they observe wrongdoing, it’s important to understand why they are being silent. It may be because they are afraid to speak up. Maybe they don’t know what to say. Regardless, understanding intent and interpretation is so important.”
Over the years, VCT4TEENS has produced plays dealing with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, eating disorders, bullying, and depression, among other subjects. Lift Every Voice will continue to tour community organizations and schools through February. More information can be found at Virginia children’s theatre.org.
Generous support from Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, and HomeTrust Bank allowed last weekend’s play to be presented.
