Theatre in Action: Reflections from the Last Stop on the Journey to Justice Bus Tour
- Devin Simpson
- 32 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This year, we have been grateful to deepen our partnership with the Unlock the Box (UTB) Campaign. And this month, we are excited to join the DC coalition partners in supporting the national UTB Journey to Justice Bus Tour. The bus tour brings the fight to communities across the nation and blends artivism, public education, and immersive experiences to fuel this crucial movement.
To prepare for the bus arrival in DC, on Oct. 15, Ally & Voices Program Manager Sade participated in an advocacy training hosted by UTB. Sade led a portion of the training on how to talk to councilmembers about the ERASE bill, through Forum Theatre. Through real-time role play, participants embodied Augusto Boal’s concept of “rehearsing for the revolution,” exploring advocacy strategies and building tools to navigate diverse challenges.
On Oct. 30, the national bus tour arrived in DC and Ally & Voices gathered with Unlock the Box Coalition members for a Day of Action at the Wilson Building in order to talk with Councilmembers about the ERASE bill. The morning started off with inspirational words from advocates, survivors of solitary confinement, and an ANC commissioner. Then our team went to each Member's office to urge them to schedule a hearing to discuss the ERASE bill. The day concluded in Councilmember Nadeau's office, who introduced the bill, to reflect on the day's impact and strategize on next steps.
Continue reading for reflections from Sade and Artistic Director Lori on the event!
I am inspired by today's day of action and reminded of the importance to continue educating on the ERASE bill and pushing for a hearing. Especially since there has been a recent increase in the population at DC Jail, meaning more DC residents are being impacted by restrictive housing, and so many DC residents are against solitary confinement.
Sade Cole, Ally & Voices Program Manager
It was a powerful experience to talk to our councilmembers and urge them to hold a hearing so the community can share more about how we don't want torture in DC. Community Advocates Umar and Devin did a great job taking the lead and sharing about their experiences and why a hearing is necessary. Devin also read a poem written by Community Advocate Tariq about his experience in solitary. We loved being in coalition with Unlock the Box today and using our voices to reimagine the criminal legal system so our communities are safe and all humans are treated with respect.
Lori Pitts, Ally & Voices Artistic Director
On Oct. 31, we joined UTB and local advocates at American University to experience the interactive elements of the bus, share stories related to solitary confinement, and perform an Invisible Theatre scene.
Invisible Theatre is a theatrical performance that is enacted in a place where people would not normally expect to see one, for example in a coffee shop on a college campus. And that is exactly what we did.
Community Advocates Shabaka, Regina, and Herbert gave two Invisible Theatre performances alongside other UTB members. We were so excited to share this piece as our Community Advocates have worked toward performing this piece throughout the year. Our performances were designed to encourage audiences to engage with the bus and learn more about solitary confinement. The pieces were well received, our team even chatting with an onlooker dressed as an inmate for Halloween.
We are excited to continue developing this piece and utilizing this form of theatre as a tactic to bring awareness to the horrors of solitary confinement.
In addition to our Invisible Theatre performance, Community Advocates Damon, David, and Herbert performed original pieces about their experiences related to solitary confinement.
Learn more about UTB's national Journey to Justice Bus Tour below!