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Past Words Present Times: Indianapolis Shakespeare Company on Black Lives Matter

Black Lives  Matter

The Indianapolis Shakepeare Company Reflecting on Black Lives Matter (Indianapolis Shakespeare Company)

I’m George Walker

Shakespeare has never seemed so relevant to me.

Shakespeare’s speeches from four hundred and thirty years ago respond in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, today. The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company puts together seven monologues from the plays.  Each, with a company member explaining the choice and eloquently delivering the speech.

Selections from King John offer the powerful emotions of the loss of a son and a call to overcome our complacency and seek action. Henry the Fifth offers a response to the Dauphin’s mocking gift of tennis balls. Henry the Sixth calls on us to move beyond helplessness, past paralysis and on to action. Henry the Fourth, part two, demands changes from a condemned rebel.  A Winter’s Tale asks that we stand up to power and hold it accountable. And finally, from Titus Andronicus  a parent’s grief, a rallying call and a vow to take action.

Following these powerfully eloquent moments, there’s a real opportunity to contribute to three Indianapolis organizations:

1) Ignite Academy:

Our friends at Ignite Achievement Academy are in need of donations for the purchase of technology for their students without computer access for virtual learning as well as food donations for their food bank. More information at http://igniteindy.org

2) Aspire House:

Aspire House is a growing organization offering art, sports camps and clinics, education, and even more community activities while transforming vacant spaces into places of community gathering. More information at http://aspirehouseindy.com

3) Flanner House:

Flanner House is an Indianapolis organization that helps neighborhoods with food security, health, economic development, youth education, and more. More information at https://flannerhouse.org

 

Watch a video of the presentation here: https://youtu.be/I5dUhxfpgfg 

 

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