Are you the first in your family to: grow up in this country? graduate from high school? go to college? speak English as your first language? be incarcerated? not be incarcerated ? be adopted? be drug free? be openly glbt? question your faith? choose a different faith? break the silence? be an artist? Are you First Generation?
First Generation is an intensive, arts-based and youth leadership-development program. It provides a platform for young people to have a public voice in their community, and beyond, through creative expression and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be First Generation.
First Generation began in the fall of 2008 in Springfield, MA with a group of 12 youth, ages 15-22, who are the first in their families to be growing up in the United States or who define themselves as first generation in other ways. For example, being the first to graduate high school, go to college, or to have shifted from a family culture of heterosexuality, religious affiliation or economic values. The group is multi-lingual group and includes youth who are court-involved.
Starting in October, the group began a year-long process of research, self-reflection, artistic training, and dialogue. Forming an artistic ensemble, the group is creating a full-length, multi-lingual performance based on their discoveries. First Generation will address the complexity of embracing individuality while honoring one’s family and community cultures. Ensemble members will invite audiences to participate in public dialogue about generational issues, and about how racism, economic oppression, bigotry, media and violence can sever youth from their cultural origins. The work of First Generation is rooted in the belief that our cultural legacies and family histories are sources of strength as well as struggle, as we shape the constantly unfolding journey of our lives.
Rebecca M. Johnson Visual and Performing Arts School: Home base for First Generation
The Springfield Adolescent Health Project (SAHP): SAHP engages approximately sixty youth from Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Longmeadow to work as community health educators in the city of Springfield. SHAP emphasizes leadership development among its youth participants.
Dragon’s Den School of Martial Arts: Dragons Den will be teaching Martial Arts workshops and offering support with youth leadership development.
Department of Youth Services: DYS will refer youth to First Generation and support their participation.
Julie Lichtenberg and Nancy Tolson
artist-in-residence / project coordinator
DW Walker
logistics & communications/visual artist-in-residence
Carla Wojczuk
youth ensemble facilitators
Jonathan Lopez and Emily Laufer
group facilitators
James Arana, Beth Mattison, Frances Borden Hubbard
12 community collaborators “mentors”
Each First Generation ensemble member will pair with a Community Collaborator who will offer one-on-one support. This could include sharing activities and adventures, helping with commitment to school, and supporting the ensemble member in their involvement in First Generation.
First Generation ensemble members will pair with 4th or 5th grade student leaders in the Rebecca Johnson School, becoming a mentor in the school community.
community eldersA group of elders will participate in our creative process by sharing their experiences and perspectives.
First Generation ensemble members will train with visiting artists in one-day workshops and full weekend retreats. The visiting artist workshops will focus on skill-building in many disciplines and supporting the creation of the performance piece. Potential visiting artists include current and former Performance Project collaborators:
Writing - Maria Luisa Arroyo, Anida Esquerra, Magdalena Gomez, Tony Medina
Theater – Angelica Castro, Celia Hilson, Gil McCauley, Elsa Menendez, Lenelle Moise, Steven Sapp
Martial Arts – James Arana, Anibal Jimenez, Max Lee
Dance, Movement, and Capoeira – Paul Dennis, Jose Angel Colon, Lesley Farlow, Molly Maxner, Joe Seitz, Wire Monkey, Tyrone Polk
Drumming and Voice – Evelyn Harris, Heshima Moja, I-SHEA, Julissa Rodriguez, Joe Sallins
Sneak Preview Performances and Benefit Concert
Rebecca M Johnson Visual and Performing Art School
55 Catharine St
Springfield, MA 01107
Friday August 7th, Saturday August 8th and Sunday August 9th 2009
Rebecca M Johnson Visual and Performing Art School
55 Catharine St
Springfield, MA 01107
Special group rates on tickets for youth organizations
For more information contact
the Performance Project office:
413-586-4960
