About “State Of Urgency”
This theatrical work is culturally responsive and brings awareness to the needs of marginalized groups within society. Our advocacy brings awareness about systemic racism, social inequity, police brutality, and gun violence; allowing the voices of our youth to speak out for the support of those in power and request the change they wish to see. Our artists will demand action against gun violence and laws that fail to protect individuals against the misuse of weaponry.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 45,222 firearm-related deaths in the United States in 2020. Among those numbers, more than half were suicides and more than 4 out of every 10 were firearm homicides. In that year, gun-related injuries also became the leading cause of death among children and teens. Since January 2023, there have been 18 deaths of children under the age of 12 due to the effects of gunfire in the Carolinas. Gun violence is a public health issue in our country. Gun violence must stop.
State of Urgency is our approach to combating these statistics and effecting positive change. Triangle Performance Ensemble is committed to educating and informing communities about existing issues that plague society, explicitly our youth.
AN URGENT MESSAGE ON GUN VIOLENCE
In today’s society, educators must be involved in the wellness of all students by being proactive in gun violence prevention. Unfortunately, gun violence is plaguing our cities across America. Most recently, we have seen an uptick in violence amongst our young people. We are in a national crisis!
When considering these unfortunate circumstances, I wanted to create a play that would address death by firearms and many social justice issues that warrant discussion and call for immediate action. During my research, I employed the opinions and voices of current and past students, community members, and colleagues. State of Urgency, presented by Hillside High School Drama, is my answer to that call. This dramatic work is spoken by young high school students who I believe will be the catalyst for change. It is a play of their time. As viewers, audiences will explore topics like racism, poverty, colorism, “no-snitching” codes, and gun violence; witnessing how these issues affect our communities.
The stage set is designed as a neighborhood, much like the ones in our own communities. From every angle of the prelude, students are engaging in 911 calls with urgent pleas for help. Requests concerning mental health, safer communities, fighting, insecurity, homelessness, health care, inequities, and gun violence are presented to the 911 operators at an overwhelming rate. The characters are asking where their help will come from, literally and figuratively. The play’s remaining actions will shed light on each situation, discussing possible solutions and helpful ways to address each matter, especially gun violence.
STOP GUN VIOLENCE
STOP GUN VIOLENCE
To increase awareness about the issues of gun violence, I encourage teachers to engage students through classroom discussions. There are children who only experience gun violence from what they see on television and video games. For some children, the unfortunate reality of gun violence is a lived experience. People in our nation are hurting due to the effects of gun violence in our homes, schools, and neighborhoods.Our goal is to support students and teachers in their dialogue surrounding gun violence. We want teachers to be empowered in knowing that they have the ability to guide perspectives and create safe spaces for this level of inclusion.
In the classroom setting, teachers can use the topics addressed in State of Urgency to develop culturally responsive learners who respect each other’s differences and spark change in their communities. As students and teachers engage in dialogue surrounding social justice, questions and thoughts can be formulated and presented at the “Talkback” for further reflections and possible solutions. The play does not take a political stance on different legislative measures, but provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to come to the table for solutions. The arts can bring about change through community and school relationships in addressing these issues head-on. State of Urgency is my Arts Initiative in addressing gun violence; A Call To Action for all of us to be involved and DO SOMETHING!!
A Call to Action to STOP Gun Violence
This site is sponsored by Triangle Performance Ensemble.