Black Lives Matter

 Hello Mariposa Family,

This past week (June 2020), in our nation and in our city of Pittsburgh, has been one of raw emotion. People have gathered to protest the killing of George Floyd, but also the systemic racial injustices endured by black people. Mariposa stands in solidarity with those who are doing the hard work of fighting racism.

As a theatre for young audiences it is in our mission to entertain engage, and educate, as well as challenge accepted norms. We are not naïve to think that our small theatre will bring about drastic change through our programming. However, we do understand the power of theatre - especially for young people. Good theatre and good stories stay with us and encourage us to talk about them. And our young audiences are full of the question "why?", and engage those around them to answer. "WHY?" is the easy question.  The answer will take more out of us. Our young audiences already know  why the witches are bad, and why friends are good and supportive. They can tell you who the bullies are and they need your help fighting them.  Will our small theatre change the world view? No, not right away. But with your help, our children will. Join us. Small thoughtful ripples are what we create and hopefully contribute to the larger discussion through our programs for youth and families.

To our friends, actors, staff, and community who face intolerable racial injustices every day: we see you, we hear you , and we stand with you. Thank you for helping us to do better. Black Lives Matter. And we stand with them to fight racial injustice.

Stay Safe. This fight has been too long, but you are not alone.

Caren Hearne
Executive Artistic Director