JuCoby Johnson’s …but you could’ve held my hand masterfully blends dance, music and poetry in a beautiful exploration of sexuality, gender and Blackness. The lives of the four protagonists play out on stage, immersing the audience in nearly three decades of their hopes, dreams and struggles. While working on this production, it became increasingly important to the creative team that this piece about love and tenderness is seen by audiences who could find themselves reflected on stage in these characters. We spoke with director Braxton Rae, associate director Trinity Gordon and dramaturg/community engagement lead Renita James to learn more about their intended impact of this production, how they’re hoping to engage with audiences beyond Winship and how working on this piece has changed their own lives.
Meet the Cast of …BUT YOU COULD’VE HELD MY HAND
Meet the cast of JuCoby Johnson’s exciting new play …but you could’ve held my hand, which utilizes a blend of different artistic mediums to explore a range of complex themes. Directed by Braxton Rae, this unique production focuses on four friends who meet as children. Little do they know, they will become the center of each other’s lives for decades to come. Jumping through time, we see these people only during important life moments such as prom, funerals, weddings, anniversaries and even divorces. …but you could’ve held my hand uses dance, music and poetry to explore sexuality, gender, race, love and blackness in a beautiful meditation on how love manifests in our lives as we experience life’s ups and downs.
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Studying Abroad: Artmaking and Exploration in Mexico City
At the beginning of the summer, while many students and faculty travelled home for the break or set off on much anticipated vacations, faculty member Roxanne Schroeder-Arce and nine students embarked on a different journey. Together, they travelled to Mexico City for a month-long Maymester course entitled Engaging the Arts as Audience – Mexican Arts and Youth, where they studied the breathtaking artwork of Mexican artists and the impact of arts education on children in Mexico City. We recently sat down with Schroeder-Arce to get an inside look at the program, from mask-making to soaking in the local art scene through various exhibits, performances and rehearsals.
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