Detroit Public Theater engaged Renaissance High School early October in a series of classroom workshops and two full productions of Dominique Morisseau’s “Detroit ’67,” in an opportunity to reflect and reexamine the city’s conditions.
In English and African American studies classes, directors Sarah Winkler and Courtney Burkett informed students of conflicts that led to the uprising of 1967 in Detroit.
“I thought it would be a terrific opportunity to look deeper at the 50th commemoration of the events that took place here in Detroit… we all can learn more about where we live and about the people in our communities,” said social studies teacher Charlene Highsaw, who organized the school events.
DPT performed a public showing of “Detroit ‘67” on Oct. 4 and one exclusively for students on Oct. 5.
The play portrays social struggles lived out by siblings.
Senior Kennedy Paul said, “It taught me that we as Black people will continue to have go out and fight for what we love.”
Renaissance parent Trazet Mccaa said of Wednesday’s performance, “It conveyed all essential components of Detroit during that era. From basement parties and 45’s, the Detroit ’67 play portrayed it all.”
The 90-minute play by the hit-series “Shameless” writer and playwright Dominique Morisseau is featured among two other plays in a cycle entitled “The Detroit Projects.”
Detroit Public Theater received a grant from The John S. and The James L. Knight Foundation to hold a city-wide tour of the play.
Detroit ’67 and other Detroit Public Theater plays and show times are available on www.detroitpublictheatre.org.
