Over the summer of 2018, Lehigh University students, Kalyani Singh and Henry Fisher, set out to create a social justice theatre piece based directly on the experiences of those who have been affected by the criminal justice system.
Over five weeks, they conducted interviews with formerly incarcerated people from Lehigh County Prison, Northampton County Prison, and Rikers Island, as well as people who have worked within the system as administrators or as advocates for reform.
Using these interviews, Singh and Fisher then created a documentary theatre that explores connecting themes between individual stories and perspectives.
Lehigh University student actors will be reading these stories in a format inspired by Ping Chong’s Undesirable Elements.
In August, the students produced the first reading of their piece with the Allentown Public Theatre at the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church where they drew an impressively diverse turnout of students, activists, artists, community members, and directly impacted individuals.
With this reading at The Ice House, these student playwrights aim to motivate a social change in communities through storytelling that inspires greater empathy and understanding.
Following the performance at The Ice House, there will be time made for audience participation and discussion.
Program Date:Saturday, November 3rd 8PMAt the Charles A. Brown Ice House 56 River St., Sand Island, Bethlehem PAAdmission by Donation