Teen students create play to teach social awareness
Every summer for the past 19 years, teen student producers have met to decide a theme for the annual Holocaust Impact Theater production. By August, a writing team is selected and the script starts to take shape.
In December, open auditions kick off, roles are chosen and rehearsals gradually intensify as the March show date approaches. The new show, called PLEDGE, will be performed at 7 p.m., March 7-9 at the Alper JCC Miami’s Robert Russell Theater, 11155 SW 112nd Ave.
This project, a labor of love and hours of dedication, continues to build a legacy of teen education and empowerment with the underlying goal of promoting Holocaust education and remembrance.
The 2024 theme highlights the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. This year’s production boasts a team of more than 20 high school students. Each receives 150 hours of community service.
“The arts have a profound way of conveying history and teaching important lessons. Through HIT, we aim to ensure that the Holocaust is not forgotten,” said Ruth Gordon, educator and developer of Holocaust Impact Theater.
“Each year’s student-led production is not only an impressive feat from an arts perspective, but also highlights important themes and thought-provoking topics relevant to our current political climate.”
Gordon’s mission began in 2004 to provide local high school students “a platform to write, produce, perform and direct original scripts dealing with timely, relevant issues of social injustice and intolerance.”
PLEDGE student producers and directors all call it an honor to be a part of the program.
“It is so great that Holocaust Impact Theater has been able to allow students to create and be a part of such an important theater project,” said Frankie Cullen.
“HIT is an amazing program that teaches students lessons about the Holocaust and current issues associated with the dangers of hate. It also offers many different opportunities for students as each year’s play is written, directed, and performed by students collaborating to make a positive change in our community,” said Kaia Canali.
Ryan Roman added that “HIT provides a fantastic opportunity for students to perform on stage, educate each other about social awareness and history, as well as learn from one another and establish a real sense of camaraderie.”
And David Tabatchnik, head writer and student producer, said, “Writing for HIT has been an experience that taught me how to collaborate with other members of the writing team and respect their input, while writing a piece of theater. PLEDGE has a message that is crucial for today’s times.”
Register and purchase tickets for $10 each at www.alperjcc.org/events/2024/03/07/family-community-programming/holocaust-impact-theater/#registerNow
GARDEN TOUR IS SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Enjoy beautiful home gardens and get ideas for your own designs at the 31st Villagers Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 2 in the Coral Gables and High Pines areas. This year’s theme is “Tropical Oasis,” and Villages members and garden experts will be on hand to explain the special features and plantings at each location.
A gift boutique at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5692 N. Kendall Dr., will feature unique artisans, vintage jewelry, garden-related gift items and plants from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the tour. There will also be a Rita Tennyson pop-up café with food for purchase.
This is a no-smoking event, and venues cannot accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Carpooling and comfortable, flat walking shoes are encouraged. Ticket holders drive their own vehicles between the properties.
Tickets are $50. Purchase at thevillagersinc.org/gardentour/ You can also buy tickets on tour day for $55 at two Coral Gables check-in locations — St. Thomas Episcopal Church and at one of the gardens at 1230 Catalonia Ave. Proceeds support The Villagers’ historic preservation projects and university scholarships for students studying historic preservation.
BIG BAND BATTLE IS ON
It’s time to rock your heart out at the annual Battle of the Legal Bands to benefit Dade Legal Aid, 7-11 p.m., March 9, at La Otra, 55 NE 24th St., Wynwood.
This popular event is a big celebration as the organization is celebrating 75 years of providing free civil legal services to qualifying low- income Miami-Dade County residents.
The anniversary party will showcase local bands consisting of lawyers and judges competing for the grand title and jamming for justice for the underprivileged.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit www.dadelegalaid.org for tickets and sponsorship information.
SYMPHONIC BAND HOSTS TWO EVENTS
Check out these fun, family-friendly concerts presented by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band.
“Music of the Stage & Screen” will be at 4 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl, 11000 Red Rd. Selections include popular tunes “Highlights from Frozen,” “Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof,” “Imperial March,” “Parade of the Charioteers,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “Gabriel’s Oboe” and “As Time Goes By.”
The second concert is at 8 p.m., March 12 at the University of Miami Maurice Gusman Concert Hall. It will feature guest conductor Gary Green and trumpet soloist Craig Morris.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for students and children 5 and older. Visit www.GMSB.org to purchase in advance. You can also purchase at the door on concert day. Entrance to Pinecrest Gardens is free with the Feb. 25 concert purchase. Call 305-273-7687.
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.