America Too: It’s Our Health

This episode will focus on mental health during the pandemic and the healing power of the arts in our communities. Hosts Michelle Cruz, and Joe Wilson, Jr. with guest host Janaya Kizzie from PPL will be joined by special guests Dr. Dana Dillon (National Alliance on Mental Illness – Rhode Island) and Ashley Frith (Community MusicWorks), who will also perform on the viola.

America Too: Reckoning and Resilience marks the sixth year of the America Too initiative. This 5-part online series combines theater, music, and art with stories from our community and seeks to catalyze community dialogue around the many challenges and potential opportunities of this particular moment, as we confront the aftermath of a polarizing election season, observe the year’s anniversary of the arrival of the pandemic in Rhode Island, and reckon with the structural racism and anti-Black violence that continues to rock our communities. After five online episodes, the project will culminate in an outdoor, in-person event.

Each episode will investigate the impact of the challenges of the past year with free, hour-long programs, anchored by Michelle Cruz, Christina Bevilacqua, and Joe Wilson, Jr. The series kicks off with a look back at the origins of the America Too program and the legacy on which this year’s project builds. Subsequent episodes will explore education, health, activism, and service with a culminating performance for the final event.

Access to these live streaming events is free, but reservations are required. Register here. Videos will be posted to our website the day after each episode airs.

Throughout the spring, we will be soliciting community stories and participation. You can participate by emailing stories@trinityrep.com or by leaving a voicemail at (401) 259-0676.