by Gariyana Williams

The Housing Works Theatre Troupe is a Theatre of the Oppressed NYC group that meets regularly to discuss, rehearse, and try to change housing discrimination throughout New York City. This troupe has been around for approximately five years and has been working on many plays, such as Nice to Judge You, Some things $ can't buy, The best but not the rest, Blood/Work, The Worm in the Big Apple, and many more. Now the troupe is currently working on a play called Apartment Complex, in which they show their experiences with housing voucher discrimination and other problems tenants face in an apartment building.

By Madison Kitchen

The Fortune Society’s Justice 4 All Summit on August 1st was “a summit convened by young leaders to address issues within our communities and the justice system.” Approaching Columbia University’s School of Social Work, I knew that much. What I didn’t know is how much I would learn and how inspired I would be to take action after this summit.

After two incredible years with Theatre of the Oppressed NYC, I am transitioning out of my position as Community Engagement Coordinator and moving to Chicago to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in performance. It is bittersweet, though it is heartening to have been able to witness so much of this organization’s growth and movement and its ability to adapt, learn, unlearn, respond, and make creative change.

On Sunday, July 16th, the TONYC gathered for the second annual huddle, including 23 staff jokers, actors, and board members, facilitated by Tenaja Jordan. The sense of community was vibrant. 

Following the plays in our 5th Annual Legislative Theatre Festival, we hosted a series of trainings called Get Activated! These trainings offered skills and tips for engaging with social issues outside of the theatre. One of these sessions was geared toward effective canvassing.