Village Playwrights, New York City's Premiere LGBT Playwriting Collective, Announces Pride 2019 Showcase

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided a gay bar in Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn, arresting some of the staff for selling liquor without a license, and some of the patrons for wearing less than three gender appropriate articles of clothing. When the crowd outside saw the patrons being taken away they reacted, first throwing pennies, then bottles, and then trying to overturn the paddy wagon.

The police barricaded themselves in the bar. As the police continued to use brutal methods to control the situation, the crowd determined not to give in and reacted violently.

Six days of protest followed. It was a turning point for the gay community. No longer would harassment because of sexual orientation be tolerated. The fight for equality was advanced. The first anniversary of the rebellion in 1970 launched the first Gay Pride March.

On June 27, 2109, the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the Village Playwrights will commemorate this important historical event with Riot and Rebellion, staged readings of seven ten minute plays. The Village Playwrights was founded in 1985 as a group where Lesbian and Gay playwrights could develop plays in a free and welcoming environment.

Riot and Revolution will be presented at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., NYC, room 310, 7pm. Suggested donation $10. Reservations are recommended. Email villageplaywrights@gmail.com or call 614-285-2515.