Greenwood 1964
melrose trading post, greenway, fairfax
11906
wp-singular,post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-11906,single-format-standard,wp-theme-bridge,bridge-core-3.3.4.3,qi-blocks-1.4.4,qodef-gutenberg--no-touch,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-content-sidebar-responsive,qode-smooth-scroll-enabled,qode-theme-ver-30.8.8.3,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-8.6.1,vc_responsive

Greenwood 1964

Greenwood 1964

 Greenway Arts Alliance presents

Greenwood 1964

Greenwood 1964 is a poignant play that immerses audiences into a transformative period in American civil rights history; vividly capturing the mood, urgency and challenges of summer 1964. This narrative brings to the forefront the audacious efforts of luminaries Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte as they ventured into the Deep South – Mississippi, a state notorious for its racial tensions. Their mission? To amplify and support the voices advocating for voting rights, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with courageous leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose presence and influence are featured prominently in the play.

Their alliance with SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) was more than symbolic. Poitier and Belafonte bolstered the movement with essential financial aid, bridging activism with tangible resources. Their commitment laid bare an inspiring portrait of resilience, solidarity, and an unwavering resolve to combat systemic racism.”Greenwood 1964″ does more than simply recount history; it draws striking parallels between the past and our present. By contrasting the triumphant enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with its disheartening reversal in 2013, the play provides a contemplative examination of America’s meandering journey towards genuine equality and justice.

We envision “Greenwood 1964” as more than a play. It is a vehicle for reflection, education, and dialogue; challenging young audiences to engage, question, and carry forward the legacy of those who dared to challenge the status quo. Greenwood 1964 has had workshop developments in Los Angeles most notably the beautiful 500 seat Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) for the Paul Robeson Theatre Festival-Robey Theatre Company. The prestigious Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis (Blackness is… Arts Festival) and The Hollywood Fringe Festival.

“The most interesting play of the Paul Robeson Theatre Festival”

Ed Rampell- Hollywood Progressive

“The exchanges and sharing of fears and hopes by both men at times raised to such a tense level that I could feel the audience shifting in their seats. Bravo to a performance I won’t soon forget!”

Samantha Simmonds Ronceros- NOHO Arts District

Notable accolades include:“The Encore Award” from 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival along with the “Pick Of The Hollywood Fringe Award”.

Creative Team

Director: Iona Morris Jackson

Playwright & Producing Director: Mohammed Ali Ojarigi

Technical Director, Set & Lighting Designer: Jack James Lawson