uses the arts to facilitate a platform for the voices and stories of community members who have been impacted by the cycle of violence.
We believe that…
Violence is a public health crisis.
ART IS OUR INTERVENTION.
We address gun violence, mass incarceration, and criminal justice reform.
We know that community members who are most impacted by the cycle of violence are often
funneled into the criminal justice system--further traumatized, isolated, and unheard from.
WE CREATE SPACES TO HEAR FROM THEM.
Chaos Theory strives to cultivate compassion and celebrate the humanity
that thrives in the darkest corners of our system.
Through live performance, written narrative, and film, cast members explore their creative voice; take ownership over their narrative; think critically about where these problems come from and what interventions might be effective; and lead the way forward through performance and public dialogue.
The arts are uniquely positioned to shift hearts and minds,
which in turn creates a ripple effect, shifting perception,
cultural norms, and ultimately policy and action.
We strive to address root causes, health disparities, and social determinants of health through the lens of personal narrative.
Performances and screenings are followed by talk-backs, with the voices of those impacted leading the conversation. Stakeholders, policy makers, and those in traditional positions of power are invited to listen, learn, and ask questions from the true experts.
We challenge harmful narratives that are commonly reinforced, and the dangerous stigmas that are perpetuated against individuals--particularly young men of color--who are most impacted by street violence and incarceration.
projects
MOVING STORIES
a live, full-length production comprised of a cast of previously incarcerated women and women in recovery. Women told true stories from their lives around issues of mass incarceration and addiction; stories were interwoven with original choreography and music. We sold out several shows at The Dance Complex and Third Life Studios, and went on to perform for the women at South Middlesex Correctional Center (prison in Framingham), students at Wellesley College, and as part of Recovery Day at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Supported by Cambridge Arts, Somerville Arts Council, The Boston Foundation, and New England Foundation for the Arts.
HEAR ME
Hear Me is a documentary featuring seven young people (ages 10-23) from Berkshire County who have been impacted by gun violence. I conceived of and produced this film in collaboration with the filmmaker Dave Simonds. We believe that those who have been impacted are the true experts. Through the cast’s stories, we explore health disparities, social determinants of health, stories of impact, and a way forward. Hear Me features an original music score, highlighting several local musicians—a string quartet of high schoolers, playing an original composition; the Taconic High School choir; beats and rap by local young people, and local instrumentalists. Commissioned by the MA Dept. of Public Health’s Gun Violence Prevention Program, via 18 Degrees in Pittsfield, MA.
IF I RAN THE CITY
is a short-film, in partnership with the high school students at Eagle Academy, Pittsfield’s alternative school. Students offer insight into some of the obstacles youth are facing today, commentary on Pittsfield, questions and suggestions for the incoming mayoral candidates, and what they would like to see change. They provide insight into health disparities amongst neighborhoods, underlying root causes of court involved, and offer suggestions on what would make an effective juvenile diversion program. Featuring original music and art work by students.
BRIDGING DIVIDES CRIMINAL JUSTICE FORUM
This discussion forum brings together three Williams College students with men who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. The goal is to examine our current criminal justice and legal system from a variety of perspectives; to facilitate dialogue between community members from a diverse range of backgrounds; and to facilitate connections and create conversation about the system, life behind the wall, and how we might advocate to improve the system. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to hear from those who have experienced it, learn what it feels like to be on the inside, and what they think should change. Featuring men in the community, as well as those on house arrest and who are currently incarcerated.
KIDS AT WAR
is a memoir project by a community member who is currently incarcerated. He mails his writing, we edit it and mail it back. He is examining root causes of violence, health disparities, the environment, social pressures, and his own life story. He provides insight into why some kids resort to selling drugs, what it’s like growing up around violence, and why some families don’t trust the system or the city. He offers insight into how we may find a way forward, re-build that trust, and work together to protect more young people. Read Here
Moving Stories rehearsal.
Chaos Theory tackles big, messy, complex social problems through the lens of personal narrative.
We believe that those who have been directly impacted—those who have lived through it—are the true experts.
As facilitator, I treat every individual, story, movement, song, skill set, and talent as a raw material—I meet each person where they are, and get to the heart of their story. I work one-on-one with each cast member, and facilitate group workshops. Over time, we integrate content together to tell a larger story.
Moving Stories at The Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA
"If we could reopen the conversation between our best minds and the broader public, the result would not only transform society, but also artistic and intellectual life. Most American artists, intellectuals, and academics have lost their ability to converse with the rest of society. We have become wonderfully expert in talking to one another, but we have become almost invisible and inaudible in the general culture."
~Dana Gioia, former chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
A compilation of some of my work in the community. Moving Stories, Boch Center City Spotlight Leadership Program (my music specialty teens); Roca Boston; Boston Public Schools, Classroom Cantatas.
Chaos Theory builds high-quality performances that are developed and performed by community members who have been directly impacted by social issues. The creative process invites the cast to explore their creative voice, take ownership over their own narrative, derive meaning from obstacles they have overcome, and communicate a message to the larger public. Cast members come together to reflect on past experiences, weave their stories together in pursuit of a greater meaning, and lead a vital conversation with the general public.
Ultimately, performance and talk-back strives to enhance community dialogue and mobilization, provide a platform for community members to interface with key stakeholders in the city and, quite simply, to have their voices heard.
It is my fundamental belief that the power of the everyday can, when presented honestly, be more striking than that which is highly cultivated.
feature in the Cambridge Scout:
Opening night at the Dance Complex!
Thanks to our supporters...
