Beyond Punishment:
Stories of Justice & Healing
an interview-based theater performance
Co-produced by the Justice Beyond Punishment Collaborative (JBPC) and Ping Chong and Company. Created and directed by Kirya Traber in collaboration with the performers.
The world premiere of Beyond Punishment: Stories of Justice and Healing, an original interview-based theater performance co-produced by the Justice Beyond Punishment Collaborative (JBPC) and Ping Chong and Company!
Written and directed by Kirya Traber in collaboration with the performers, Beyond Punishment follows the lives of four remarkable individuals who grapple with the intersections and impacts of interpersonal and state violence. This production, performed by the storytellers themselves, gives insight into their lives, leadership, and healing journeys*. Together, their stories encourage us to imagine justice beyond a punitive system that begets further violence.
Three free performances will be presented at and supported by the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights and Hi-ARTS in East Harlem on 11/30, 12/1 and 12/3. Live ASL interpretation will be provided by SignNexus at the performance at Hi-ARTS on 12/3. Come watch the show, engage in community reflections and a talk-back with the creators, and connect with community organizations and movement partners! RSVP today: bit.ly/jbpctix
This production is one part of the JBPC’s campaign aiming to address the intersections of state and interpersonal violence, and strengthen our ideas and approaches to safety and justice that do not rely on punishment, domination, and supremacy. We are working to support our movements in offering compelling and cohesive stories and messaging to end violence, with the goal of realizing a world with justice beyond punishment. Learn more at https://beyondpunishment.org.
For Beyond Punishment: Stories of Justice and Healing, Kirya Traber was invited by JBPC to bring together a group of organizers with lived experience of incarceration to share their own stories in an interview-based theater production. “Beyond Punishment” was created through interviews and workshops with the cast members. The theatrical format of the presentation is based on and inspired by Ping Chong and Company (PCC)’s Undesirable Elements series of interview-based theater works examining issues of identity, place, and belonging. Each production is made with local partner organizations and local participants telling their own stories on stage. Creator Kirya Traber is a long-time collaborating artist and facilitator in the Undesirable Elements series.
Health & Safety
As per the recommendation of the NYC Health Department and for the safety of our audiences, artists, staff and community, Hi-ARTS recommends that all audiences wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when attending an indoor Hi-ARTS event. Masks will be provided for those who may be in need of a mask. We recommend N95, KN95, and Surgical Mask for the highest protection.
While Hi-ARTS will not be asking for Proof of Vaccination, or for a negative text, we encourage you to take a Rapid or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival to Artspace PS109. If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, or not feeling well we ask that you please stay home and recommend that you take a COVID-19 and seek medical attention. While Hi-ARTS is taking measures to minimize the risk of such exposure, we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 during your time in our facilities. By entering Artspace PS109, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Hi-ARTS, or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.
Please find our full Health & Safety Protocols here.
Accessibility
Artspace PS109 is an ADA-compliant building. Elevators are available via the main entrance, and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The main entrance’s outdoor gates do not have an ADA push button and may be heavy to open. For any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at (718) 497-4282 (voice only) or info@hi-artsnyc.org.
Accommodations
El Barrio Artspace PS109, home of Hi-ARTS, is ADA accessible. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact General Manager, Deborah Cowell at deborah@hi-artsnyc.org no later than December 1, 2023.