Play explores the nuances of activism in the time of COVID-19

Artemisia Theatre’s production of “A Hit Dog Will Holler” explores activism, mental health and the role of Black women in social justice movements. It will take place through Sept. 17, at the Den Theatre. Photo provided by Artemisia Theatre.
Artemisia Theatre’s production of “A Hit Dog Will Holler” explores activism, mental health and the role of Black women in social justice movements. It will take place through Sept. 17, at the Den Theatre. Photo provided by Artemisia Theatre.

 Play explores the nuances of activism in the time of COVID-19

By Tia Carol Jones

How do you approach a show about two activists set in 2020 during a time of civil and social unrest and COVID-19? Very intentionally.

“A Hit Dog Will Holler” is set in Hyde Park and was written by Inda Craig-Galván, who is a native of the South Side of Chicago. Artemisia Theatre’s production of “A Hit Dog Will Holler” will take place from Sept. 1st to Sept. 17th, at the Den Theatre, located at 1331 N. Milwaukee.

“With the times that we’re in, with the writer’s strike going on, Inda actually is one of the writers in Hollywood who’s on strike. There’s an actor’ strike going on, I’m in SAG, so I’m an actor who’s on strike, and all the activism that is still coming about today, not only with those unions, but with the simple fact that police brutality is still a thing that is very prevalent and is talked about in ‘A Hit Dog Will Holler.” “Unfortunately, it’s still very relevant to the times,” said Myesha-Tiara , director of “A Hit Dog Will Holler.

At its core Artemisia Theatre is a feminist theatre that focuses on work that empowers women. Willow James is the artistic director for Artemisia Theatre. James said “A Hit Dog Will Holler” was a play that the theatre wanted to do for a very long time. “It feels right, it feels right to do right now,” James said.

The two activists portrayed in the play, Dru and Gina, challenge each other and learn from each other. One is a social media influencer and the other is a boots-on-the-ground activist. Eventually, their patience and bond for one another grows.

Myesha-Tiara  is into directing pieces that are Black woman-led and showcasing Black women in different aspects of life. The play puts Black women at the forefront of discussions about issues that are important to the Black community.

“Oftentimes, when we have these movements, we hear so much about the male figures who are so heavily involved and sometimes you don’t think about the women who are part of these movements and how they contribute,” Myesha-Tiara said.

Myesha-Tiara also brought up how much trauma and pain the women in these movements take on, oftentimes to their own detriment, when they are not taking care of themselves. Another theme in the play is what makes a “good” activist and what is real activism.
 
James said one thing Artemisia Theatre has always tried to do is be bold with the plays it puts on stage. Sometimes when it comes theatre and art, people back away from their opinions and beliefs because they don’t want to put themselves out there or cause an argument.

“One thing that I’m proud of with this company is that we don’t back away from stuff like that. We’re going to do this play, it is bold, it is going to make you think,” James said, adding that he and Myesha-Tiara talked about how to take a stance with the work that is presented. “It’s very clear when you see this, it’s very clear what we’re trying to get across.”

James hopes that people understand that it really does take a community to make a difference, and even as polarizing as some of the discussions are, finding community is important to fight. Activism is nuanced, there isn’t a right way to be an activist and there is room for different ways to engage in activism.

Myesha-Tiarawants people to take away from the play that for Black women, it is OK to not be OK. Also, to lean on others when you need it and to not shy away from communicating that you need help.

“A big thing I want people to take away from this play is that you have to take care of yourself, you have to make sure you lean on your village when you need it, and let people know when you’re hurting, and don’t always feel like you have to be on guard and ready to conquer the world every day,” Myesha-Tiara said.

Tickets cost $25. For tickets, visit www.artemisiatheatre.com.

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