Spinning Tree Theatre will present the world premiere of “First Generation,” a play by community member Victor Wishna.
The play, which will run from April 15 to 19, was commissioned by Wishna for Spinning Tree and is produced in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) of Kansas City. Performances will be at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center (8788 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66212).
In the play, when high-schooler Ruthie volunteers in a classroom for young refugees, she clashes with Patience, a sharp and guarded student who challenges her assumptions. But a chance encounter with a mysterious young woman — foreign yet oddly familiar — forces Ruthie to confront a critical question: What does it truly mean to welcome the stranger, and what am I willing to do about it?
Inspired by real-life experiences of young refugees, “First Generation” is a play about identity, belonging and the power of empathy, inviting audiences to explore the complexities of finding home in a new world.
“We are honored to share Victor Wishna’s story based on interviews with Kansas City teen refugees,” Artistic Director Michael Grayman-Parkhurst said. “‘First Generation’ is timely and compelling, thought-provoking and entertaining. It’s the type of play audiences will wonder on the ride home, ‘How did I not know more about this?’ and ‘What can I do?’”
The young artists featured onstage are Kadence Bowie, Carl Brock, Nile Clipner, Joaquin Gonzalez-Layton, Aahil Hassan, Camille Kamseu, Alice Lenz, Elisa Lopez, Makayla Manning, Jordan Rosenwald and Raegan Rosenwald. Leonardo Aptilon will perform live violin music throughout the performance. The performers represent a variety of high schools from the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Jewish Vocational Service will host a special JVS night on Thursday, April 17. Tickets are open to the public.
“First Generation” is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
More information and ticketing is available at spinningtreetheatre.com. The scheduled performances are:
Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., with ASL interpretation and opening night reception
Wednesday, April 16, at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m., JVS Night
Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m., with ASL interpretation