Rehearsal For Change
Rehearsal for Change delves into the issue of incarceration using theater and performance as a means of expression, emphasizing the experiences of those directly impacted by the criminal legal system. The aim of this event is to unite community members, affected individuals, and policymakers to share insights, understand the challenges, and develop policy solutions collaboratively through different and creative means. This event employs Legislative Theatre, specifically Theatre of the Oppressed, which is a transformative and participatory art form designed to help people critically analyze their surroundings, explore social and political issues, and devise actionable solutions.
Rehearsal for Change focused on the issue of over-punishment in our carceral system, highlighting how we over-punish incarcerated individuals, the efforts currently underway to combat these issues in DC, and how we can develop a new approach that focuses on accountability and healing harm rather than inhumane punishment.
Our partnership with Voices Unbarred in this event brought a new and creative approach to our educative advocacy. It provided an opportunity to uplift DC Justice Lab’s ongoing campaigns and platforms, such as Unlock the Box and DC jail food campaigns.
key goals & objectives:
(1) Support directly impacted people to share their expertise and experience.
(2) Engage new community members in ongoing campaigns, especially Unlock the Box and DC jail food.
(3) Engage policymakers with community members and directly impacted people to hear the challenges and solutions for over-punishment. We supported Voices Unbarred in this event by providing resources, co-facilitation, and assisting with logistical planning, topic presentation, and guiding questions.