Photos: Passage Theatre Company Brings JANET WIDE AWAKE To The Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School

Passage Theatre Company is preparing for the premiere of their newest theatre for families and young audiences production appropriate for ages 10+. Janet Wide Awake: The Hedgepeth-Williams Dream is an original play written by David Lee White, Richard Bradford, and students at the Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts, which tells the true story of Gladys Hedgepth and Berline Williams and their fight for racial equality at the Trenton school formerly known as Junior High No. 2. Performances run March 31 through April 3 at the Hedgepeth-Williams School, located at 301 Gladstone Ave, Trenton.

Check out photos below!

In the 1940s, Gladys Hedgepeth and Berline Williams challenged the Trenton school formerly known as Junior High No. 2 and its policy of segregation after their children were not admitted due to their race. After a historic legal battle, the New Jersey Supreme Court struck down the widespread practice of segregation in New Jersey public schools. Written and performed by both theatre professionals and students from Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts, Janet Wide Awake shares Trenton's local history with the next generation and shows audiences what can happen when one stands up for what's right.

The cast features Richard Bradford, Johanna Tolentino, and Monah Yancy, along with 17 students from the Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts. The show is directed by Andrew Binger. After each performance, there will be a talkback with the artists where audience members can ask questions and engage with the material. These talkbacks are moderated by a nonprofit professional from the community who has in-depth knowledge regarding the topics explored in Janet Wide Awake.

Tickets are $25 adults, $5 for children, and are available for purchase at https://www.passagetheatre.org/janet-wide-awake.

To post a comment, you must register and login.