THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
Enough! Plays to End Gun Violence
Directed by Sarah Germain Lilly
February 22 – February 25, 2024
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 PM, Preshow 7:45 PM, Sunday at 3 PM, Preshow 2:45 PM
Tickets: $18 General, $15 Seniors and Students
Run Time: 90 minutes with 10 minute intermission
COMMUNITY SPACE
Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
Dedicated to the memory of Deandre Matthews, 19 years old, killed February 6, 2023.
What if young people everywhere in the US cried out on stages large and small across America, begging for peace and an end to the epidemic of gun violence they live in? Would we listen? Would we finally change the bloody status quo?
From the Principal’s office to a college dorm, from a 911 call center to a recording studio, we witness the violence guns make possible.
The plays are The Smiles Behind by Niarra C. Bell (Virginia), A Call for Help by Pepper Fox (Kentucky), Lightning Strike by HJ Kennedy (North Carolina), A Disorderly House by Sam Lee Victor (New Jersey), No Prospering Weapons by Justin Cameron Washington (Michigan), and The Matter at Hand by Valentine Wulf (Washington). Led by its creator Michael Cotey and Joaquin Oliver Artistic Producer, the ENOUGH! initiative calls on teens to confront gun violence by creating new works of theatre that will spark critical conversations and inspire meaningful action in communities across the country.
Out of 244 plays by High School and Middle School students, these six were chosen to be performed in communities everywhere across the nation on November 6th, 2023 in staged readings. Their voices represent the youth of America, those who were trained from an early age to hide from gunfire that could be a threat even in their schools. Gun Violence is now the leading cause of death among children in the US. These plays reflect youth experiences and those of their communities.
Our Cast:
Ms. Marie
Yesenia Ortiz
Sky Carrington
T Scott Lilly
Dan Kelley
Eddie Moore
Carlos Rodriguez
Wes Spencer
Sophie Schulman
Assistant Director Sean Stefanic bring their activism and experience to this project, and their artistry as well.
Director Sarah Germain Lilly is happy to be back with the Theater for the New City tribe and uplifted by this opportunity to spread peace and end gun violence.
We are happy to lift up the voices of the Gun Violence Prevention Community with these performances.
Director Sarah Germain Lilly thanks Crystal Field and the Theater for the New City community for making these performances possible, and Gays Against Guns NY for their support.
Dedicated to Deandre Matthews and his new baby brother Damari Matthews.
Deandre Matthews, age 19, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn , was killed February 6 2023. His suspected killers have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Deandre’s family grieve this Beautiful, out, gay young man who was employed, enrolled in college, and an encouragement and positive role model for his friends.
“These plays provide powerful insight into the perspective of a generation where the threat of gun violence has become ubiquitous with going to school growing up,” says ENOUGH! creator Michael Cotey.
COVID Protocol:
As of September 26th, 2022, we are no longer requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for our audience upon entry.
Wearing of masks is suggested in the lobby, restrooms and performance spaces at Theater for the New City, but they are not required.