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Wake Up and Pay Attention, a Play to Reduce Violence by Centering Youth Voices

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Event Dates
Central
Location
Marshall High School
Address

4141 N 64th Street
Milwaukee, WI

“Wake Up and Pay Attention” is being held during National Crime Victims' Rights Week and follows several families struggling with unemployment, addiction, abuse, suicide, teen pregnancy, AIDS, and generational trauma. The show’s storyline is punctuated by dance numbers, spoken word, and even brief monologues that break the third wall so cast members can speak heartfelt messages directly to the audience.

The show is based largely on the personal experiences of its writer and director, Gloria Rogers, and members of the show’s ensemble cast; it was recently recognized by the Milwaukee Public School Board of Directors for the important voice it offers MPS students.

Wake Up and Pay Attention is an honest and complex look at challenges facing our community. The show confronts painful realities, yet celebrates the resilience of children and families determined to find love and strength in each other.

Over 360 hours of nonviolence work has gone into the choreography, blocking, and rehearsals for the show. The show’s cast features approximately 50 Milwaukee Public School students and community members, ranging in age from 5 to 60. The show’s director and several student actors will be available for comments before the show.

The show will be introduced by Milwaukee School Board Vice President Sequanna Taylor and Pastor Walter L. Fields of Milwaukee’s St. Paul Church of God in Christ.

Date Created: April 26, 2023