Boogie Down Block

A Note from Boogie Down Block’s Teaching Artists:

In the seven months we’ve been together, our students have explored topics ranging from their cultural identities to gun violence in relation to larger concepts like power and community. They’ve attempted to answer the questions “What is power?” “What is community?” “What does power look like in my community?” Our show was conceived from our students taking a long hard look into their community/(ies) as they tried to answer these questions. We are proud to present Boogie Down Block, a show that examines how a group of people who have nothing in common besides their geographical location deal with an unexpected tragedy.

These amazing artists have worked incredibly hard to put this work together. It has not been an easy road, there were many setbacks and tears, but also had many reasons to celebrate like college acceptances and the creation of this work. In a lot of ways, this ensemble has exemplified what it means to be a community - they have laughed and cried together and laughed some more. We are inspired by their strength, resilience and creativity. Guiding these budding artists through the process of devising a show that is relevant to them, their lived experiences and their community has been a truly amazing gift. Enjoy!

In love and creativity,
Alberta and Ashley

Written & Performed by

Drea - Felicity - Fatou

Iselle - Mabintou - Renee

Relwende -Spencer

Teaching Artists / Directors

Alberta Kallon - Ashley Zaragoza

Girl Be Heard Education Team

Kate Byrne - Sandrine Dupiton - Ashley Zaragoza
Cheyenne Myrie - Sabiha Khawja

OPENING SCENE - by the Ensemble
CATCALLS OF NEW YORK - by Felicity, Drea, Iselle, & Fatou
SCHOOL SCENE #1 - by Spencer & Relwende
PARTY/SHOOTING - by the ensemble
MY NAME IS GLADY - by Iselle
THE FEELING OF LONELINESS - by Mabintou
HOMELESS - by Relwende
SPARE CHANGE - by Relwende & Fatou
JOB INTERVIEW - by Fatou
SCHOOL REFLECTION - Drea, Renee,Mabintou, Spencer, & Relwende
MY LIFE - by Renee
GOOD SCHOOL GIRL - by Spencer
NADIRAH - by Mabintou & Drea
JEREMY - by Iselle
IF YOU EVER FEEL STUCK - by Drea
BLOCK PARTY - by the Ensemble