Great artists have combined their efforts to call attention to the growing feeling (hallejah!) of resistance, and you are free to join the Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, Executive Director Patrick Willingham) and the Resistance Revival Chorus, Monday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a one-night-only event, and those freedom fighters are putting music and the movement onstage with performances, speeches and more.
Joining the call for justice is Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jojo Abot, Ayo, Abby Dobson, Deva Mahal, Indya Moore, Jess Morales, Angel Nafis, Diana Oh and members of the Rebel Verses ensemble from Developing Artists, including Valerie June, Shakina Nayfack, Shaina Taub and Flor de Toloache.
The evening will be a celebratory look at the past, present and future of resistance and civic engagement as the country starts to turn its attention to the midterm elections.
“It has been a joy collaborating with our friends at the Resistance Revival Chorus,” said Public Theater Director of Special Artistic Projects Stephanie Ybarra. “Women have been at the center of resistance and social justice movements throughout history. It’s thrilling to honor and celebrate that legacy with an evening amplifying the voices of female artists and activists.”
Launched in summer 2017 in response to the Trump presidency, the RRC is a collective of more than 60 women who join together to breathe joy and song into the resistance and to uplift and center women’s voices. The women are Broadway performers, touring musicians, film and television actresses, solo recording artists, gospel singers and political activists and are led by Broadway singer and educator Abena Koomson-Davis. Representing a multitude of identities, professions, creative backgrounds and activist causes, the RRC prides itself on its diversity.
The great artist and activist Harry Belafonte once said, “When the movement is strong, the music is strong.” In that spirit, the RRC hosts a series of regular musical events, Resistance Revival Nights, where the community gathers to rejuvenate our spirits and honor the protest songs that have historically been central to civil rights movements. Art and culture are essential to changing hearts, minds and history, and the RRC commits to the principle that joy is in itself an act of resistance.
Free tickets to “We Rise: A Celebration of Resistance” will be distributed, two per person, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park beginning at noon Monday, Aug. 13. For more ticket information, please visit www.publictheater.org.