Motus Theater's performance of "JustUs" — 2019 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference
Channel: HowlRound Theatre Commons
Date: 2019-10-16

Motus Theater's performance of "JustUs"

"JustUs" is an autobiographical monologue performance created in a 16-week collaborative process between Motus Theater’s Artistic Director, Kirsten Wilson, and formerly incarcerated individuals about their experience with the criminal justice system. The performance presents impactful depictions of the consequences of incarceration (both behind bars and beyond) with the goal of engaging audiences in the injustice and violence being done in the name of justice. Collaborators include: Juaquin Mobely, Brandon Wainright, Astro Allison, Brian Lynch, Daniel Guillory, Cierra Brock, and Dereck Bell.

"JustUs" premiered at the 2019 National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conference in Denver, with some of the stories being read by law enforcement, the Denver and Boulder District Attorneys, and Legislators of the Colorado General Assembly. 1,600 people attended this performance.

For the Grantmakers in the Arts 2019 Conference, Motus presents a special version of this performance in which grantmaking leaders will step into the shoes of a formerly incarcerated autobiographical monologist by reading their stories and holding their weight.

Motus Theater’s mission is to create original theater to facilitate dialogue on critical issues of our time. We aim to use the power of art to build alliances across diverse segments of our community. Motus focuses on bringing marginalized voices or silenced histories to the stage. We support inclusion by expanding our audiences’ experiences of the variety of stories that make up our country. By using theater to learn and listen across the gaps of difference we weave tighter, stronger and more connected communities. Learn more about Motus Theater at www.motustheater.org

Grantmakers in the Arts presented the 2019 GIA Conference: Cultural Intersections livestreaming from Denver, Colorado on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 14 October and Wednesday 16 October 2019.

Denver, Colorado is a perfect laboratory for important conversations around where the arts are going, how best to engage an increasingly diverse nation, and how to use a variety of forms of investment in culture all anchored in equity. Engage with your colleagues at the GIA Conference for an exciting opportunity to be inspired by the people and culture of Denver.