Play performed by Milwaukee youth spotlights serious issues plaguing the community

MILWAUKEE — On the opposite facet of the auditorium doorways was a life-changing story instructed by means of the eyes of Milwaukee’s very personal kids.

“You by no means depart the identical method you got here,” mentioned Gloria Rogers.

Youngsters as younger as three years previous took heart stage to deliver ‘Wake Up and Pay Consideration’, a play written by director Gloria Rogers, to life.

The play, that is been revised through the years, confronts the present points dealing with Milwaukee’s Black and Brown communities by means of dance, singing, spoken phrase, and extra.

“I wrote one thing referred to as I’m sufficient which is a chunk that you’ll hear within the play,” mentioned 21-year-old Jakira Austin.

“Now we have individuals which might be on medicine, now we have individuals committing suicide, we have gang violence, you may have kids which might be being abused by dad and mom,” mentioned Kenyata Sturdy, the play’s assistant director.

13-year-old Jayden Carver, like so a lot of his fellow performers within the play, mentioned he could not sit by and ignore the problems. So he determined to do one thing about it.

“My character’s identify is known as Tech, and he is like a hood dude, he would not hear, he is not at school and is within the streets,” mentioned Carver. “It is a number of youngsters my age that is within the streets stealing vehicles. I simply wished to make a change and lead by instance.”

The manufacturing additionally highlights the significance of giving a voice to town’s youth and listening to their considerations.

“Sooner or later I would like my youngsters to have the ability to do what they need exterior with out me having to fret about in the event that they’re getting damage or not,” mentioned one other performer, Jerimyha Freeman.

“Individuals can get delivered or ministered to by means of the music or conditions of the characters,” mentioned Jason Worth.

And the hope is that by means of their efficiency these kids will be capable of change the narrative and save lives.

If you would like to turn into part of the subsequent manufacturing, you’ll be able to electronic mail Gloria Rogers at grogersa@yahoo.com.

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