228: The Power of Theater in Fighting Gun Violence: A Conversation with Michael Cotey

How can theater become a powerful tool for activism, particularly in the fight against gun violence? Join us as we discuss this topic with our special guest, Michael Cotey, a theater director and the Artistic Director of ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence. Inspired by young people, their experiences with gun violence, and their fight for change, we explore Michael's journey of developing the project and how theater can make space for marginalized groups that often don’t have a place in mainstream American theater.

Michael shares with us the process behind ENOUGH!, where youth playwrights create stories that explore gun violence and its many impacts. We discuss the importance of engaging in deeper conversations and promoting community action through these performances, becoming an effective tool for inspiring change.

You can access a reading of the plays here, as well as join a nationwide reading.

Further reading:
Young playwrights use the theater to confront the trauma of gun violence (PBS NewsHour)
ENOUGH! Seeks Short Anti-Gun Violence Plays From Teens (American Theatre)
How Theater Is Inspiring Social Justice for the Next Generation (Backstage)
Ghost Gun confronts class and race (Chicago Reader)

Support the show

For more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.

Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
Special thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support
℗&©2019 Red, Blue, and Brady