Brookhaven to host plays, discussions marking America’s 250th anniversary

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The City of Brookhaven will host a series of short plays and community discussions on August 15 as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The program, called “We Hold These Truths,” is designed to engage residents in dialogue about American democracy, identity, and belonging. The event will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

“Culturally, Brookhaven is a very diverse community, and that diversity makes us a stronger, more vibrant city,” Mayor John Park said in a release from the city. “This programming exemplifies the spirit of Brookhaven, in which we are truly ‘Better Together.'”

Ariel Fristoe, founder and co-executive director of Out of Hand Theater, said the event comes at a critical time.

“At a time when conversations about identity, democracy, and belonging feel increasingly polarized, there’s never been a more urgent need for us to create spaces where people of different backgrounds can come together, listen deeply, and build stronger connections across our communities,” Fristoe said.

The series features four short plays intended to spark conversation about American identity and the country’s future:

• “American Dream,” written by Jeilianne Vazquez, examines immigration through the perspective of a Latino teenager.
• “Ancestral Reckoning,” written by Marcie Rendon, examines progress through a Native American perspective.
• “Faded Dream,” written by Melissa Simmons, explores the impact of unemployment and disillusionment with the American economic dream.
• “Tell Them About the Dream,” written by Dana Stringer, examines the power of dreams, imagination and community through the eyes of a Black, Southern pastor.

Following the performances, attendees will take part in meals and guided discussions led by trained facilitators, using Out of Hand Theater’s “Equitable Dinners” model, the release said. The approach is a signature component of the organization’s nationally recognized model for civic engagement through the arts.

“By bringing performance, shared meals and guided dialogue into one setting, we’re inviting honest and critical conversations about what it means to be American today and where we go from here,” said Adria Kitchens, co-executive director of Out of Hand Theater.

Registration and additional information are available at outofhandtheater.com.

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