EDITORIAL

Only one phrase fully encompasses the experience of the Protest Through Performance Showcase: “Holy mackerel.” Indeed I, like so many of my peers, found myself repeating these exact words over and over again throughout the evening. I will admit that as I sat waiting for the lights to dim and the music to slowly fade out, I was expecting a variation of the various middle school talent shows I endured in my recent youth: the classic combination of awkward swaying and orthodontia, followed with a hint of muffled laughter. Let me be clear. The performance I was fortunate enough to witness existed in another realm of adolescent art. It was, to put it in the simplest of terms, a triumph. 

The showcases’ organizers, RPCS students Nysa Gandhi ’22, Zuri Hurley ’22, Olamide Oyenusi ’22, Sydney Sauls ’22, and Charlotte Corcoran ’22 were able to cultivate something that I still find myself struggling to describe as anything other than beautiful. The performance was made in response to a lack of racial diversity within the casting of the annual RPCS musical and looked to peacefully protest through performances of BIPOC students. The group raised an astounding $5,500 to fund the protest and put on the show almost entirely on their own. What was clear to me and the rest of my fellow onlookers, was that this group of driven individuals had done something truly inspirational. When faced with the gnarled hand of adversity, this group of performers and creators let loose a dazzling display of talent, passion, and diversity. 

What was not lost on me, and what remains spinning around my head, is that the students both witnessing and performing were my age. What amazes me, even more, is the beauty my fellow peers are capable of creating. My heart ached and my eyes teared with the incredibly moving voice of Gilman’s Austin Lansey ’24 singing My Song. The rendition of Till Forever Falls Apart by Kenna Mitchell ’22 and Salma Badr ’22 made me overwhelmingly happy to be alive. How lucky was I and so many others to witness this creation of raw beauty? What had I done right in my life to experience the strong words of our very own Caroline Knight ’22? What can we do to help foster a space where these voices and creations are shared with smiles and comfort from all students?  

For more images of the performance, check out @bipocshowcase2022 on Instagram.