By: Maria Consbruck, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – A person’s voice is something that cannot be taken away and is the most powerful instrument one could hold.
There are many different ways someone can share their voice.
Platforms such as plays, musicals, poems, music and so many more, provide spaces for people to share their stories and encourage them to use their voices.
A UNO theatre production, Crossing the Street, is a festival of many voices that includes short plays, poetry, and art designed to give the opportunity to performers, across a range of ethnicities, ages, and the gender spectrum, to have their stories heard.
Aaron Butler, co-producer, writer, and actor, said, taking part in something like this is really intimidating.
“This is a huge weight on your shoulder to carry the weight of not only your own color, but everyone else’s. It’s BI-POC – black, indigenous and people of color. So, yeah it feels like a huge weight, but we are definitely accomplishing what we set out to do,” he said.
These performers are utilizing the stage as a platform to have their voices heard and to tell stories that cover tough subjects which in turn has brought people together and has influenced others to do the same.
“This play started from wanting to spark conversation. So, if you want to spark conversation, do it. Be the conversation. Have a conversation it might be a weird thing to talk about with your friends but it’s still something to talk about,” said Butler.
Darlyn Gonzalez, director and actress, said there’s always a story worthy of being heard.
“It’s realizing and taking that action and knowing that you do have the power to tell your own story and relate to somebody else and that can empower them to be like ‘you know what…I am going to say something about it too,” she said.
With even more platforms, such as social media, available at the touch of a finger, it makes it easier to have these conversations.
49% of Americans believe social media is effective for raising public awareness about political or social issues.
A person’s voice has so much power. It gives people’s opinions a platform and an opportunity to have perspective and knowledge on important matters.
“Using what you’re passionate about, what you want to see change or something that should be more spoken about, realizing that and using it to the best of your abilities to speak about a situation that you’re very passionate about is an awesome way to spark change,” said Gonzalez.
Live performances for Crossing the Street can be seen March 10th through 12th at 7:30 pm in the Weber Fine Arts Theatre.
