THE UNKNOWN

by Dante Jenkins

Cast: Dante Jenkins

Co-creator: England Jenkins

This piece was workshopped with Marjorie Calle-Rodriguez, Alec M Walker, Bob Koshy, Drew Bennett, and Thomas Leick.

Project Description

The Unknown is a play that tells the story of how love, family and health & stability impact our lives. In the piece, the characters experience the difficulties and challenges of finding balance. With the help of therapy and support systems, they overcome destructive coping mechanisms in a journey toward self-love.

 

Artist Statement

Throughout my childhood, I was always judged and bullied because of how different I looked compared to everyone else. Because I had alopecia, there were only a few who cared about who I was on the inside. Being vulnerable in front of strangers is intimidating and daunting. This is why my plays address the need for community support, and deep, meaningful, human connection in contemporary American society. By making my characters feel as if they were part of the audience and by sharing my most personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts in public, I hope those who will experience my work will go beyond feeling empathy and support. I hope they will take on themselves the risk of being raw and vulnerable with others.

 

 

Faculty Advisor: Francesca Spedalieri