The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival grieves the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and countless other Black people in our country. We condemn the centuries of systemic racism that have led to it. We stand with our communities of color – especially our partners in Old North, Normandy and the Ville, but also those all across St. Louis and America.

We believe that theater has the power to break down barriers and extend empathy in a way that few other experiences can. We believe particularly in its power to elevate the voices and stories of the marginalized and disenfranchised among us. We also acknowledge its ability to protect and perpetuate privilege. And we acknowledge our own need for deep and ongoing self-examination in the work that we do.

We know it will take more than words to bring about real change, but we also believe silence is not an option. And so we stand in solidarity with all peaceful protests. We stand in solidarity with all expressions of outrage and exhaustion. We stand committed to the cause of equality, whatever the cost.

Support & Take Action:

Arch City Defenders – archcitydefenders.org/donate

The Bail Project – bailproject.org/

Expect Us STL – www.facebook.com/FrontLineA1