Difficult Conversations

An Original Series

“At this challenging time of division and conflict, Creative Cauldron looks to creative artists for inspiration and healing. Each original offering in this series invites audiences to bear witness to a difficult conversation, and to open themselves to greater understanding of the harmful and seditious way that racism pervades in our society. With this pilot project, we begin our journey toward re-envisioning our role as theater makers and creative artists, and hopefully work toward a more diverse, inclusive and just artistic community.” -Laura Connors Hull
Creative Cauldron live streamed this unique series in April 2021, with each installment interdependently produced by playwrights, musicians, directors, and artists around the DMV and beyond. Featuring works by Mark Meadows, Lisa Hill-Corley, Jean Bordewich, and Iyona Blake.

The Series

But Don't Believe Them, Mark Meadows & Michael Ivan Schwartz
Friday, April 9, 7:30 PM
A 23 minute docu-concert is an artist’s statement from Mark G. Meadows; a black bicultural jazz musician speaking out about the Black Lives Matter Movement. This film shares Mark’s journey as he communicates through interviews and music his effort to awaken people to the need for the equality for black people living in America. This will be hosted on zoom, with a link to the film, a live concert, and a post discussion. Mark has hosted this conversation with folks from multiple nationalities and backgrounds. Learn more/request your own screening at: www.butdontbelievethem.com.

But What I Really Said, by Lisa Hill-Corley
Saturday, April 17, 7:30 PM
There is more than one way to be black, to exist as a black person. When does tradition or pride in heritage turn into a mandate on how to live? A conversation about how stereotypes are formed outside and within the black community.

It's Not About the Constitution, by Jean P Bordewich
Directed by Angelisa Gillyard
Saturday, April 24, 7:30 PM
Political conflict over race and power is tragically persistent in our history and searingly contemporary. When the battle is played out at the highest levels of government – in the impeachment of a president – the stakes couldn’t be higher, whether it’s 1868 or 2021.

Blight Flight by Iyona Blake
Directed by Angelisa Gillyard
Friday, April 30, 7:30 PM
Erica is a single, African American mother of four and lives in an urban community. After renting her row house for many years, she is suddenly being displaced. Samantha, a Caucasian woman recently purchased the row house next door with her family. As the two worlds come face to face, we will see how displacement, gentrification and racism impacts both families.

Watch the recording of the reading and the post show discussion, right here.

Contact Us

Questions? Send your inquiries to [email protected].