10 Seconds
Written by Miriam Gonzales
Directed by LeeAnét Noble
Asst. Playwright: Tyrese Rowe
Appropriate for grades 8-12
Imagination Stage has commissioned Miriam Gonzales (¡Óyeme!) to write 10 Seconds, a play based on the ideas, conversations, and discoveries from two years of workshops between police and youth. We currently offer a filmed version of the play for individuals to book for a community screening. This fall we will be touring the play live to schools and community groups from November 15-December 17, 2021.
In a world where deeply rooted biases and misperceptions easily take hold, life can often feel unnerving — a journey that can change for better or worse in a blink of an eye depending on how we see each other. In the play, 10 Seconds, we see through the eyes of Ray and Jimi, Washington, DC high school students who navigate their young adult worlds, and what it means to be young black men in the city. Ray tells the story of a day — and “ten seconds” inside that day — that he and Jimi will never forget, sharing not only their perspectives, but also the views of the police they encounter. Through audience engagement and interactive moments, the play provides opportunities for reflection and discussion. By “stopping time” the audience is asked to imagine what might happen if we made the effort to pause, listen to one another, question our assumptions, and consider the possibilities for change.
“A powerful and invaluable resource.”
–Javier Bustamente, Catholic University Center for Cultural Engagement
For Schools and Community Groups: Interested in a viewing for your school community? Please contact Rakeem Lawrence at [email protected] or 301-280-1645.
Join us for one of the following public virtual viewings of the filmed 10 Seconds production.
These will each be followed by a community conversation with expert panelists.
Past Screenings
April 15, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In partnership with Catholic University’s Center for Cultural Engagement. Enjoy a virtual screening of the filmed production followed by a discussion with the cast, director, and playwright.
April 22, 2021 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Join Imagination Stage for a virtual screening of the filmed production and a local conversation about re-imagining race relations and community policing. Featuring Montgomery County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Chief of Montgomery County Police Marcus Jones, and Director LeeAnét Noble. Panel moderated by Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. MD FCAP, Chair of Pathology at Howard University and former DC Chief Medical Examiner.
April 29, 2021, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
An Imagination Stage and Dallas Children’s Theater Collaboration. Join our peers in Dallas for a virtual screening followed by a lively discussion about policing on a national level. Panelists include members of the Metropolitan Police Department, Dallas Police Department, a youth advocate and members of Imagination Stage’s creative team.
The Imagination Stage Youth and Police Program is a collaborative project that strives to build positive relationships between DC Metropolitan Police officers and youth through mentorship and arts learning.
Both police officers and youth participate in weekly workshops facilitated by Imagination Stage teaching artists. These workshops use theatre exercises, performance, and improvisational games to inspire bonding, understanding, and community building. Special guest artists are also brought in to introduce other art forms, such as spoken word and graffiti art.
Through this program, a space is provided for youth and officers to create art and share experiences that strengthen relationships and foster a community of trust and understanding that can be taken beyond the workshop. Our lead partner is the DC Police Foundation; the project is supported by DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities and funded in part by a grant from The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.
“It’s not about where you start, but where you finish.”
Poem by youth participant.
