On June 28th 1969, the Stonewall Riots began in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village. On June 28th 2019, I had the pleasure of closing the first run opera "Stonewall" by Ian Bell at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre. Now years later, I'm once again drawn to reflect on that beautiful piece of art and the many systemic struggles it put in the spotlight.
Working on Stonewall was a spectacular experience. Incredible performers with vastly different life experiences brought their realities to bear in this piece. People of multiple races, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds were able to shape this piece and be represented on the stage. The music is absolutely stunning and the voices of the principals soared over the Lincoln Center audience. I was very lucky that my stage combat experience was able to be leveraged to be a part of the climactic riot scene. To be able to reenact that fabled moment was an honor, and I did my best to give it the grounded reverence it deserved.
For many years, we've seen demonstrable evidence of police brutality and systemic inequality. More recently, nationwide protests have brought the reality of ongoing racism to the forefront of our collective consciousness. The Black Lives Matter movement stands in stark contrast to its backlash, a fearful, bigoted, conspiratorial sect that has infiltrated America's mainstream. It's a dangerous element. Which makes this show all the more important. Reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of the civil rights heroes of the past can bring us insight and strength for the battles to come.
I've been taking this time to examine my own subconscious prejudices. Educating myself by reading books and articles on various topics, previously unfamiliar to me. By confronting these truths and examining my own emotions surrounding them, I can get a better idea of the unconscious forces that have shaped my life thus far, and therefore choose more deliberately how to shape myself in the future. I hope those that watched this piece are similarly challenged, because if we examine ourselves, we can make a better world for all of us.
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