Compliment: Take A Stand! EbzB Arts In Education.

A moment to share:

Last night, I experienced the absolute magic of observing (and video taping thanks to Bett Wilson Foley) the 8th grade performance of "Take a Stand" at Margaret Pollard Middle School.

This was a play that Serena Ebhardt & David Zum Brunnen of EbzB Productions produced as one of ChathamArts' residencies in the schools. The residency was made possible by Briar Chapel Development and the NC Arts Council.

EbZb Productions taught 8th grade students to conduct oral histories and then to craft the stories they gathered into a play. The kids and host teachers wanted to focus on the topic of "bullying."

During their interviews, they gathered stories about homosexuals in the military, domestic violence, and the Civil Rights Movement (one of their African American teachers shared a story about going to a restaurant that refused to serve him b/c of his skin color).

The kids were so into it! They also each selected a pop cultural slide that resonated with them around the topic of "standing up for one's self, for others, and for what's right." All of the slides were compiled into a slide show that ran as a back drop/set for the performance.

The teachers were elated and said that they had never seen their students open up so honestly to one another before.

One of the host teachers, Elizabeth Carriel, said that she "has no doubts that these kids will always remember this experience."

I just had to share with you the inspiration I felt. Not all of you are able to attend every event that ChathamArts hosts, but you should be able to revel in the joys of each.

Like these inspiring 8th graders, you and the arts give our community hope and a reason to stand.

-Molly Matlock, Chatham County Arts Council