Theatre Company Explores Truth Behind The State of Education in America in New Documentary
Peppermint Creek Theatre Company has just released the fourth and final event in their 2020 -21 season, a virtual documentary, Radical Acts of Education, a look at how COVID has impacted the world of education.
In a time when good talent is hard to come by it is important for the truth to be told about the state of education in Michigan and America, from those who are living it every day. "Radical Acts of Education" aims to give those in the educational trenches a platform to speak their truth of their day-to-day lives by amplifying and empowering the voices of those who will either be walking advocates...or walking warning labels.
Peppermint Creek interviewed educators, students and parents and asked them what they had learned most during this unique year where COVID changed education like never before, and what they hoped to take with them into the future. At turns moving and heartbreaking, audiences are sure to be impacted and inspired by the candor and honesty of those featured in this new documentary.
“Peppermint Creek’s 2020-21 season not only challenges our audiences to engage in both timely and historical topics, but it also challenges US as a theatre company as we explore new ways to connect with audiences during a time when gathering together in a theatre building as we typical do isn’t permitted,” said Chad Swan-Badgero, Artistic Director of PCTC. “The issue of education is one of the most pressing issues our country is grappling with during the COVID 19 pandemic, and one that doesn’t have an easy or quick answer.”
"Radical Acts of Education", a 60-minute documentary, features educators from across the Midwest, local Lansing parents and administrators, and students from Dewitt High School. The film was created and facilitated by PCTC Artistic Director Chad Swan-Badgero, Dewitt High School teacher Jeff Crowley, and lifelong educator and facilitator Jerry Jennings. The piece was edited by Ashley Garcia, a Dewitt High School student.
“As a former educator myself, and as someone who has worked his entire life championing education, I was both humbled and enraged at the stories told during this interview process,” said Swan-Badgero. “Education in America was already at a breaking point before the pandemic, so to see the ways the last year and a half have truly broken, but also inspired so many students, teachers and parents was eye-opening to say the very least.”
"Radical Acts of Education", will be available for free viewing on Peppermint Creek Theatre's YouTube channel beginning May 28, 2021 at 8 a.m.. For more information, audiences can visit Peppermint Creek Theatre’s website, www.peppermintcreek.org.
