In response to the ongoing social upheaval and protests for racial justice, Olney Theatre Center is hosting a virtual social justice arts festival called Just Arts: A Celebration of Art & Activism, amplifying the voices of BIPOC artists and activists on in October. Each Friday evening starting October 9, we will delve more deeply into a particular pillar of social justice—equity, participation, rights, and access—through performances and conversations with artists and activists. Join us for this 4-week series curated by four DMV-arts leaders Chil Kong (Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre MTC), Kevin McAllister (actor and Artistic Director of ArtsCentric, Inc), Nicole A. Watson (Associate Artistic Director at Round House Theatre), and Elena Velasco (Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre).
October 9- Equity
Curated by Nicole A. Watson
Featuring the cast of Round House Theatre's production of School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, Billie Krishawn, Renea Brown, Heather Gibson, Ty Velines, Tempest Stokes, Maya Jackson, Yesenia Iglesias, Mervin Primeaux-OBryant, TeeFlo, Regina Aquino, and Mary Kathryn Nagle.
October 16- Participation
Curated by Kevin McAllister
Featuring performances from Afro-Blue, Nova Payton, Cristina “Macho” Camacho, Tuyet Pham, Donovan Fowler, Delante Dates, Darrin Scott, Aaron Williams, Jelani Aladdin, Explicit Dance Works, Adelicia Villagary, and the Baltimore City Community Choir.
Supporting the work of the nonprofit Know Your Rights Camp.
October 23- Rights
Curated by Elena Velasco
Featuring the work of Maria Simpkins, Coyaba Dance, Jennifer White-Johnson, and Convergence Theatre.
Supporting the nonprofits Just Neighbors and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND).
October 30- Access
Curated by Chil Kong
Just in time for the election the next week, Chil facilitates a conversation on voting.
Each episode can be viewed on the Olney Theatre website, YouTube channel and Facebook.
Support "Just Arts" with a Tax-Deductible Gift
Give NowLead Sponsors
Craig Packard and Joan Dubinsky
Holly Hassett
Creative Sponsors
Charlene Dorrian
Lois Taylor and Stephen Simpson
Artist Sponsors
Nettie Horne
Bob Russell
John R. and Andrea Z. Urciolo
Olney Theatre Center is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government, the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org).