Inspired in the fall of 2008, this thought-provoking work by St. Louis playback theatre pioneer Jacqueline Masei is a one-act play that tells the love story of a couple who move to Missouri together, one originally from St. Louis, the other a newcomer from another state. While addressing racial diversity issues that inherently and organically exist in our region, the storyline weaves an authentic patchwork of scenes which show how societal differences became a true challenge to the relationship of the two people involved.
The one-act play will be followed by a playback theatre performance facilitated by Masei, a lauded artistic veteran with over 20 years of experience in playback theatre, theatre of the oppressed and social justice work. After each performance there will be a focused discussion facilitated and supported by professionals in the fields of social justice and diversity.
This production and its diversity curriculum is currently being prepared for use in 20 area schools and 5 area universities. Additionally, COLT Safety will be using this production and associated educational materials for Diversity trainings in St. Louis and in Las Vegas, Nevada, by the end of 2010. This work is specifically designed to help teachers, administrators and corporate organizations deal with issues of race, sexual orientation and inclusion.
HOMEGROWN is set to debut in January 2010. An educator's guide with the one-act script of Loni’s Story will be made available for purchase. A live musical soundtrack with additional excerpts from stories told will available in March of 2010. All materials will be made available for purchase at the performances as well as on this web site.
We strongly encourage academic, social service, business and church organizations to buy tickets in advance.
If you would like to make a donation or become involved in this very important production by telling your story of homegrown organic racism, please contact Jackie at (314) 397-0733 or e-mail her at spicybean@msn.com.