The Social Justice in the Arts and Media series explores many of the social justice issues facing our citizens and our community today, and the creative ways local artists and media-makers have addressed them.
There are a variety of presenters speaking to the topic of social justice and how it relates to their own work as artists and media-makers, plus performances of social justice-themed plays.
By offering this series, we hope to entertain, educate, and inspire others to practice their social justice passions with empathy and creativity.
Get involved, stay updated, and help support this series!
Everyone who comes into The LAVA Center to see a play or presentation must show proof of Covid vaccination.
Social Justice in the Arts and Media upcoming schedule
Most Dangerous Women staged play readings
Saturday, May 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
also available on-demand for one week
A one-act version of the play by Jan Maher celebrating over a century of women the world over working for peace and justice, featuring the words and songs of scores of women activists and allies, including Jane Addams, Jeannette M. Rankin, Coretta Scott King, Helen Caldicott, Joy Harjo, Holly Near, Shirin Ebadi, Malala Yusafzai and Greta Thunberg.
Most Dangerous Women is performed by Emily Gopen, Nina Gross, Kaia Jackson, Jean Devereux Koester, and Kirsten Levitt. Written and directed by Jan Maher. Music Director: Laura Josephs.
Join Jan Maher for a Conversation with the Playwright session on Zoom, Thursday, May 19, 7pm, hosted by GCC. Click here to learn more and register.
Art Deviation exhibit
Thursday, May 12, 5–8 p.m.
An evening of provocative art, political outrage and gender exploration! You are invited to view the art of JJ White, the creative spirit behind Art Deviation.
In a rare public appearance, JJ’s alter ego Josie Bender will host the event and perform some of their genderfluid, spoken-word poems on social justice themes.
Struggle & Hope: Documenting Modern America
Alfonso Neal exhibit
Friday, May 20, 5–8 p.m. and Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
A photographic exhibition of work by award-winning photographer and writer Alfonso Neal. The exhibit will feature four major intersectional themes: the Labor Movement, Black Lives Matter, Immigration Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border, Low-Wage Workers, and will be made up of 20 black and white photographs, accompanied by the voices of individuals featured in the images (written and recorded)—highlighting the humanity often forgotten in modern news coverage.
Música Franklin – presentation & performance
Saturday, May 28, 1 p.m.
Música Franklin’s after-school program is based on the belief that the pursuit of musical excellence teaches students to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives. They incorporate relevant social justice topics as themes for their performances. This year’s theme is a reflection on the complexity of immigration, and how to be more welcoming towards people seeking refuge, based on the fact that many of us are migrants in some way. They explore this topic by singing and playing the music of various artists from all over the world.
María Sparrow – presentation and discussion
Saturday, June 11, 1 p.m.
This presentation will include a short presentation of María’s paintings alongside artists’ works who have influenced and shaped María’s work. María will talk about the importance of language and representation in shaping our understanding of ourselves as womyn, and will discuss specifically the use of alternate gender pronouns. Lastly, there will be a structured conversation among participants about their own understandings of gender.
Black Writers Read
Saturday, June 18, noon
Details to come.
How to access the series
The performances and presentations will be available both in-person and online.
Seating will be limited for both plays and presentations.
Reserve tickets for either with a donation of your choice ($5-$10 suggested; $1 minimum).
You can reserve a seat for the presentations with a donation or your choice ($1 minimum), or see it for free if there are seats available the day of.
Everyone who comes into The LAVA Center to see a play or presentation must show proof of Covid vaccination upon entry.
Major funding provided by the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the Greenfield Cultural Council, with additional support from Cultural Councils of Deerfield, Montague, Shelburne, and Bernardston. All cultural councils are local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
