Broadway Advocacy Coalition
A Night of Artivism
September 16, 2024
7pm
BAC’s Night of Artivism is an evening dedicated to showcasing the power of justice-responsive, music-centered artivism. This production, performed by those directly affected by the issues alongside industry performers, supports Justice Beyond Punishment, a transformative campaign driven by over 10 organizations across New York state. The campaign aims to shift narratives and cultural perceptions surrounding violence, punishment, safety, and justice.
Ari Afsar's Community Safety Song Cycle
Ari Afsar's Community Safety Song Cycle is a collection of letters and songs that tells an abolition story in service of Justice Beyond Punishment Collaboration, an initiative dedicated to strengthening our movement efforts for narrative change around violence, punishment, and incarceration. With equal ownership and collaboration, Ari Afsar has created 5-8 songs with 5-8 advocates around what community safety means to them, specifically highlighting the reality that this question needs to be expansive and inclusive because it is not a monolithic experience. The piece covers a range of issues and stories, from uplifting and empowering older women to spearhead community safety (represented in "Hello From The Future," co-written with an organizer from Community Capacity Development) to shifting the perspectives of federal judges through personal connection to those they sentenced (represented in "Between The Lines," co-written with an organizer from Fortune Society).
Wildlin Pierrevil's "I Wrote You, Did You Get It"
Wildlin Pierrevil's "I Wrote You, Did You Get It" follows the intertwined lives of Booker and Salim, two men navigating the challenges of reentry into society after incarceration. Booker, a young man recently released, struggles to reconnect with his family, especially his sister Daphne, and find his place in a world that has moved on without him. Salim, a mentor to Booker, offers wisdom and guidance, sharing his own experiences and struggles with hope and redemption.
The play explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the power of community. Through heartfelt dialogues, powerful musical interludes, and the support of an ensemble that echoes the collective experiences of the directly impacted, the narrative delves into the complexities of life after prison. As Booker and Salim strive to build new lives, they confront the past, embrace the present, and look towards a hopeful future.
About Broadway Advocacy Coalition
Founded in 2016, BAC's mission is to use arts and storytelling to build a more equitable society —and build the collective capacity of individuals, organizations, and coalitions to do the same. In 2021, BAC received a Special Tony Award for providing an unparalleled platform for marginalized members of the theater community and tools to help the theater industry move toward a more equitable future.