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A Message from Northern Stage

We, the company of Northern Stage, vow to address injustices against the Black community. We believe that if we do not stand strongly and vocally alongside Black America, and take action through our art and community, we are perpetuating the racism endemic to our country. Theater is a healing art form, and we will work to heal, reveal, and lift up the voices that have been silenced for so long.

Last Year, We Made the Following Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, Diversity, and Access

Theater shows us a vision of how the world can be, and we take the responsibility of envisioning seriously. As artists in a changing world, we strive to continually open ourselves up to new ideas and practices. We believe the most important and impactful art is made when we consider and commit to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access both on and off of our stages, in order to make Northern Stage a welcoming place for everyone. We aspire to make excellent work that is representative of our community, and we aspire to uplift voices that aren’t always heard, challenging ourselves to be the best possible humans and artists. Though uncomfortable at times, we can only change lives by asking the hard questions: Who are the voices of tomorrow, what are the stories yet to be told, and how can we change lives with our art? With the support of our community, Northern Stage is committed to finding out the depth and breadth of the impact theater can have on our world.

A Moment for Art

Our last live production in the Byrne Theater before COVID-19 hit was the world premiere of Citrus by Celeste Jennings. This choreopoem was and is a stunning portrait of resilience and humanity, intricately weaving together stories of Black women throughout American history. Jennings’ words have been in our minds lately, and we wanted to share this powerful moment from the script:
citrus - a moment

Resources

“An Antiracist Reading List” by Ibram X. Kendi, The New York Times
“Racism — And Anti-Racism — In Vermont” by Jane Lindholm & Matthew F. Smith, VPR 
“A History of Race and Racism in America, in 24 Chapters” by Ibram X. Kendi, The New York Times
“Talking About Race” by The National Museum of African American History and Culture
“Ways You Can Help” by Black Lives Matter
“How to Engage in the Necessary Dialogue” by Dr. Robin DiAngelo
“An Anti Racist Checklist for White Allies” by Dr. John Raibles
“75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice” by Corinne Shutack

Where to Donate Locally

The Root Social Justice Center
JAG Productions
Clemmons Family Farm 
Justice for All
Black Lives Matter of Greater Burlington
RISEVT
Thank you to JAG Productions for putting this list together!