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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 9, 2012.

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WVTC has commissioned Donald Jolly to write a play in response to live testimony of the witnesses of the 1965 Watts Riots

The Riot/Rebellion is a Watts Village Theater Company (WVTC) project currently in development under the direction of Larissa Kokernot and commissioned playwright Donald Jolly.  Other team members include Dramaturg Joe Cedillo and Production Manager Rita Cofield.

the Riot/Rebellion Team
the Riot/Rebellion Team

  

Witnesses of the 1965 Watts Riots were interviewed earlier this year using the "joint-stock" method in which interviewers could not write, videotape or record the testimonies - they simply listened - then went home and wrote everything they remembered.  These testimonies were transformed into stories that were performed by the interviewers at a Viewings at Salon de la Plaza in April.

The next step of this Viewings process will be presented on Monday, December 10 at 7pm at 1450 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 at the home of Evelyn (a friend of the company) - this will be an invite-only event and all participants will be invited to attend by WVTC board members.  Funds raised through this campaign will support the Riot/Rebellion artists participating in the Viewings.

Watts Riot witnesses and Riot/Rebellion artists gathering
Watts Riot witnesses and Riot/Rebellion artists gathering

Ultimately, Riot/Rebellion will be presented as a full-length play in the intersection of 116th St and Avalon Blvd in South LA where the Riots ignited in 1965.  The mainstage production is scheduled for August 2013 and will serve as a collective therapy for the Watts community whose stories have not yet been told.

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The challenge is putting together an entertaining and educational Viewings during the Holidays that pays tribute to the stories of the witnesses and the historic event. WVTC is currently in the process of recruiting celebrity actors to perform the readings, so if you know any that you would like to see perform these stories let us know and we'll reach out to them.

FAQ

11
Backers
$500
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Funding period
Oct 10, 2012 - Nov 9, 2012 (30 days)

  • Pledge $5 or more

    1 backer

    shout-out for you or your organization on Facebook, Twitter & Website to 3,000+ fans

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    0 backers

    your name in the Riot/Rebellion Viewings program

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    3 backers

    a signed copy of the script of excerpts of the Watts Riots witnesses' testimonies

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    6 backers

    Riot/Rebellion t-shirt (featuring the Riot/Rebellion logo displayed on this page) in the size and color of your choice

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    0 backers

    2 VIP invitations to the Riot/Rebellion Viewings on Monday, December 10 @ 7pm

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    0 backers

    breakfast or lunch with Watts Riots witnesses and members of the Riot/Rebellion team at the iconic Watts Coffeehouse

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    "Riot/Rebellion Tower" title credit in the Riot/Rebellion Viewings Program and 2 VIP tickets to the opening of the Riot/Rebellion Mainstage Production on 116th and Avalon in August 2013

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012