Theatrefolk Featured Play - With Liberty and Justice For All

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. A powerful and timely piece, With Liberty and Justice for All by Jeyna Lynn Gonzales brings student voices to the stage, capturing a moment in history while reflecting the ongoing fight for justice.

It’s June 2020. Set on a street in downtown Atlanta, With Liberty and Justice for All follows eight people as they attend a BLM protest. They come together as a community, share their voices, and share their stories. But as day turns to night, as the curfew comes and goes, it’s every person for themselves. There’s only one thing on their mind: run.

A timely and poignant play with incredibly strong performance potential from a variety of actors.

Why did we publish this play?
At Theatrefolk, it's important to us that student voices are heard in the characters that appear in our plays. We want students to be able to see themselves on stage. This is a key factor in With Liberty and Justice for All. Jeyna Lynn writes in her author's notes: "There are too many people who have never seen a character share their same name, and there are too many people who have never watched a play that represents their lives and/or history." Adding to that, it's such a well written play with a timely message.

Let's hear from the author!

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1. Why did you write this play?

The world has many ways of making one feel powerless, and this play is my resistance to that oppression. In the midst of the pandemic, I felt the need to speak up. Five years later, I've seen little change and cannot emphasize enough the importance of empathy, education, and accountability.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences?

With Liberty and Justice For All is a deeply moving piece of docu-theatre that features stories inspired by advocates challenging oppression. It is both a time capsule and a mirror held up to society.

3. What's the most important visual for you in this play?

The most important visual in this play is the end of Scene 13: Please Rise.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?

Be fearless. Speak up for both yourself and others who may not have the privilege of being listened to.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?

Theatre helps students build social-emotional learning skills by practicing understanding other perspectives. This play is great for students to study and perform because it introduces them to critical thinking and discussion. It provides a safe environment for students to begin forming their own views about the world outside of their neighborhood or see their community's stories represented.

6. Who is your favourite character in the play? OR Which character would you be in this play?

My favorite character in the play is Ona. I think she is courageous, inspirational, and a beacon of hope.

7. What is your favourite line in the play?

My favorite line in the play is "And I took her portrait."