Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble presents:
Walking the Beat 2023
Sat, September 09, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT
27 Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
United States A Satire, Written and arranged by Angela Kariotis and members of the devised theater cohort Directed by Theo Perkins In a world grappling with the sobering reality of gun violence (heartbeat), the stage becomes a mirror reflecting the complexities of human behavior and society’s struggles. While the subject matter itself is undeniably grave, satire provides an avenue to dissect the absurdities, contradictions, and hypocrisies that surround the discourse on guns. By exaggerating these aspects through humor, satire allows us to dissect the intricacies of society’s relationship with firearms – from the political wrangling over regulations to the glorification of violence. We chose satire and comedy to protect our own well-being too, we will not display our traumas, our cries, and our pleas–because that has not worked. When 21 little first graders were blown away in Connecticut, and white children at that, when that moment did not work to affect any change, what will? The only thing that happened was the continuous community based gun violence effectively ignored for decades because of systemic racism and more shootings, this time, 4th graders, in Uvalde. Through laughter, discomfort, and self-reflection, satire provides a lens to confront the underlying factors that perpetuate gun violence. The root of the problem is necessary to explore because we believe gun violence is a public health crisis, not a criminal justice issue. We thank the police for working with us on this work. We all have a role in public safety. We all play a role in keeping each other safe. Our play seeks to ignite conversations that may otherwise remain buried beneath the weight of statistics and sorrow. The characters that will grace the stage are not caricatures, but rather vessels through which we explore the shades of humanity – from the victims and perpetrators to the policymakers and armchair critics. We are challenged to contemplate the role we play in the perpetuation or prevention of this epidemic. Instead of frozen in shock, let’s take… ACTION! PLACES PLACES…Take your PLACE. Where do YOU stand?
COVID-19 NOTICE
This event is Outdoors. Face coverings are strongly recommended. Proof of vaccination will not be required.
Everyone should practice recommended social distancing guidelines during their time at all EYTE events.
- In addition to using hand sanitizing stations onsite, everyone is encouraged to wash their hands regularly while at the event.
- If you are feeling ill, we ask that you refrain from attending the performance and visit us when you are feeling healthy.
- Please take care of yourself and your fellow patrons by respecting our protocols and procedures. If, for any reason, you refuse to abide by our safety measures, you will be removed without a refund.
- Please contact us if you test positive for COVID-19 after attending a show. Reach out to us at info@elizabethyouththeater.org
COVID-19 is extremely contagious and an inherent risk in all public locations where people are present. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People who show no symptoms can spread the coronavirus if they are infected and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. EYTE has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, we cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. By attending EYTE events, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19 and agree not to hold EYTE; or any of its affiliates, employees, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.
This special event could not have been possible without the support of the following:
- City of Elizabeth, Department of Health & Human Resources
Funding from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
- Raritan Valley Chapter of the Links Inc.
EYTE , a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust
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