Respect is a theatrical production featuring dance, spoken word and music. Respect is written and performed by NYC teens and directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer George Faison. The teens present personal stories of painful moments when respect was denied, and weave them into a powerful expression of urban problems and possible resolutions.

Youth participants write their own poetry, rap and diary-like monologues during intensive workshops led by George Faison, the first African-American Director/ Choreographer to win a Tony Award (The Wiz, 1975). Subjects include teen pregnancy, absentee parents, date rape, racism, peer pressure, poverty, depression, dropping out of school, gangs, crime, substance abuse and domestic violence. The material generated from these workshops is woven into a performance piece that tours NYC high schools, juvenile detention centers and selected community-based youth organizations.

Performances are followed by feedback sessions in which HAI peer educators and audience members discuss issues raised by the performance. The strength of Respect lies in the power of youth to communicate with and entertain their peers. Through the honest examination of personal stories, audience members are prompted to effectively address similar situations in their own lives.

Feedback

This project has shaken me a lot, gotten a lot of toxins out of me and cleared my lungs -- emotionally -- things that I have suppressed myself and my feelings about certain issues that I have not taken care of. It’s like I was choking and I’ve been shaken out of my throat. I feel a lot better. --Respect Participant

Students have not stopped talking about it. Several have come to my office asking me how they can get involved with this group. -- YMCA Advisor

Love, Understanding, Education and Respect are what I received from HAI and with that I have grown to be a better person. Each day I find that the work and time I put into HAI has and is paying off. I have learned how to deal with people and their situations and lend a helping hand. -- Respect Participant