Performing Justice Project
What is PJP?
The Performing Justice Project (PJP) engages young people in ensemble-devised theatre and performance to explore identity-based oppression and envision the creation of a more just society.
The Method
PJP teaching artists use PERFORMANCE ACTIONS, or theatre strategies that are facilitated specifically through the lens of performing gender and racial justice. Performance actions invite young people to:
To name who they are
To explore constructs of gender, race, and power
To create justice-oriented performance
For more information please click the link below to check out the PJP book by authors Dr. Megan Alrutz and Lynn Hoare. The Book also features an essay titled , Doing Justice: Pushing Past Fear and Asking the Tough Questions written by myself, and my collaborative partner Laura Epperson.
Past PJP Residencies
PJP Goes Virtual!
From February–April 2021, Laura Epperson and I partnered with the Wheelock Family Theatre to design, direct, and produce a virtual Performing Justice Project. Working with Wheelock’s Youth Advisory Council, we met twice a week for six weeks. The ensemble of young people (ages 13-21) devised an original performance titled A Play on Words that expressed their vision of a liberated world.
Please click the image above to watch “Daily Movements” an excerpt from A Play on Words. Devised and performed by the Wheelock Family Theatre Youth Advisory Council.
Song: “Girls Like You” by Vitamin String Quartet
To view the full performance of A Play On Words, please follow this link and use the password WFTPJP21!
In Person Projects!
-
EmBRACE Yourself
During the Summer of 2019, Laura and I directed and facilitated a 3-week intensive. During this time, the ensemble met Monday-Friday for three hours each day to devise and create and original performance exploring gender and racial justice.
-
Our Voice: Imagining A New World
In the Fall of 2019 , Laura Epperson and I co-directed and facilitated a 13-week Performing Justice Project. During this time, the ensemble worked together to create and devise a performance titled, Our Voice: Imagining A New World.