“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Gitana Productions is marking Black History Month by touring locally its original theatrical production Living the Dream: MLK Today. The play shows how the nonviolent principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. apply to current challenges of youth within the home, at school and within the community.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Student actors come from the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Mexico, and the U.S.A. from neighborhoods in South City and North St. Louis. Volunteer theater majors from Saint Louis University are providing key support to the youth as actors and stage manager
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>The cast consists of area youth Jenai Allen, Quincy Allen, Raquel Allen, Thomas Bailey, James Canfield, Jessica Canfield, Ashley Carter, Brianna Cobbs-Colquitt, Jenny Denis, Candice Jeanine, Daniel Johnson, Janelle Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Ana Moore, Arianda Munoz, Maria Anaya, Samiratu Mussa, Torey Paige, Eleanor Rank, August Russell, Semere Shewole, Pashara Tavis and Ayanna Watlington.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Playwright Patton Chiles has spent some time with these youth and uses their experiences to develop the play. Choreographer Vivian Watt has also worked extensively with youth and provides dynamic dance pieces highlighting the themes of nonviolence and love for all.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>This production will be the second year that Gitana has taken the students in its Global Education through the Arts program on tour. Last year the group reached a little more than 1,200 youth and adults in St. Louis City to raving reviews.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>As the incidence of bullying, domestic violence, and hatred toward immigrant groups grows, Gitana wants to stimulate critical thinking and reflection about these issues hoping to instigate problem solving and community action. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”> “These youth are remarkably astute about survival and now have the opportunity to walk in the shoes of others and look at themselves through the vehicle of drama, dance, and music,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>“They aspire to make a good life for themselves, their family and community, but at a specific moment in time, without notice, the ugly head of prejudice, religious intolerance, and family pressure may challenge those aspirations.”
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>There is no charge to the public for these presentations but you are encouraged to call Gitana for reservations. For more information, call Gitana at (314) 721-6556 or
“mailto:gitana@stlouis.missouri.org”>gitana@stlouis.missouri.org