Theaterworks USA: Warriors Don’t Cry resources

This production is a collaboration between The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and TheaterWorksUSA. Reluctant to cope with one more tragedy in a school—raise your hand if you feel me!—young activist Ya Girl is ready to call it quits on leading her million-plus Instagram followers in the fight for social justice. When Melba Pattillo Beals steps out of history and into Ya Girl’s phone to share the story of her battle to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, Ya Girl learns to see herself in Melba—and in all the young warriors who came before her to raise their hands and make a difference. Inspired by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals’s Little Rock Nine memoir Warriors Don’t Cry, this production is a catalyst for deeper discussion about social responsibility, civil discourse, social media, and community engagement. Warriors Don’t Cry is co-conceived by award-winning playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays (Where We Stand) and director Tamilla Woodard (Associate Director, Hadestown), featuring original music by Toshi Reagon, spoken word, and video projection.

ABOUT THE NJPAC ON THE MIC PODCAST

NJPAC On the Mic is an audio resource that takes Schooltime Performances to the next level. This podcast series features three exclusive, curriculum standards-aligned episodes for all of NJPAC’s 2022-2023 Schooltime Performances. On the Mic offers students the opportunity to engage their listening skills, deepen their understanding of the performance, and learn about the process of bringing a live or recorded production to life. This immersive audio experience features a theme song by students in the NJPAC arts education program.

How to Listen to njpac on the mic podcast

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE

Episode: ABOUT (6 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an introduction to the
performance, the artist or company, and the venue.


Includes: An introduction to the performance, artists & venue, welcome message
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Additional content written by the team behind Warriors Don’t Cry
Sound editing, sound design, and voiceover by Michael Aquino
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Theme and outro music by Slim Beats from NJPAC Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE

Episode: CONNECT (10 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for reflection questions, a closer
look at an aspect of the performance such as historical context or background on
the art form, and a brief selection of vocabulary words.


Includes: Reflection questions, a look at young social justice advocates, a brief selection of vocabulary words
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Sound editing and design by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music by Slim Beats from NJPAC Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Opening question voiced by Donna Walker-Kuhne
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

Episode: SPOTLIGHT (17 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an exclusive interview with
an artist from the production or an NJPAC staff member followed by discussion
prompts.


Includes: An exclusive interview with NJPAC’s senior advisor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, discussion starters
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Sound editing and design by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music by Slim Beats from NJPAC’s Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Interview guest: Donna Walker-Kuhne
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

NJPAC resources | Warriors Don’t Cry: njpac.org/arts-education/teacher-resources

TheatreWorks USA | Warriors Don’t Cry: twusa.org/shows-artists/on-tour-2/warriors*

NJPAC | Arts Education programs: njpac.org/arts-education

NJPAC | Standing in Solidarity series: njpac.org/series/standing-in-solidarity

NJPAC | About NJPAC: njpac.org/about

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