Trail Talks:
Community Engagement
Satisfy your curiosity! Each Trail Talk invites patrons to hear a panel of guest experts discuss a relevant social issue, then invites audience members to ask questions for an interactive evening of civic engagement. Past topics have included Women in Politics, Healing Through Art, Dying with Dignity, and Gender Fluidity. Topics are often connected with the production onstage at the time, sometimes featuring actors/directors as guest speakers. All Trail Talks are free to the public.
UPCOMING TRAIL TALKS
TRAIL TALK: Indiana: 50th in Voter Turnout Why and What Can Be Done?
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 6:00 - 7:00PM
How is it possible that Indiana ranks 50th in voter turnout?
In a crucial Election Year, Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre has gathered a variety of experts together to discuss the reasons behind this troubling statistic and how we can combat it. Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating panel discussion followed by a lively Q&A featuring Danielle Drake (ACLU), Liane Groth Hulka (Co-Founder & Chair, Our Choice Coalition PAC), Angie Klitzsch (Women4Change) and more guests to be announced. Voter turnout is a non-partisan priority!
The Trail Talk will be immediately followed by American Lives Theatre production of 'What the Constitution Means to Me' by Heidi Schreck.
PAST TRAIL TALKS
"Emerging Artists" Trail Talk
TUESDAY, Aug. 27, 2024 6:00 - 8:00PM
Join us for "Trail Talk," a compelling discussion centered around the student exhibit, "Emerging Artists," showcasing the work of students and faculty from Simon Youth Foundation Academies and IPS. This engaging conversation will explore the transformative power of art in our schools, featuring insights from the student photographers themselves. Hear firsthand how their experiences in the arts have directly impacted their lives, shaping their perspectives and futures. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the vital role of creative expression in education and its profound effects on young lives.
PAST TRAIL TALKS
Celebrating Diversity in Classical Music w/the ICO (Panel Discussion)
The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra celebrates it's 40th season with Creative Partner in Residence and Music Sociologist Joshua A Thompson ahead of their collaborative program, "Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts." A program compromised exclusively from composers of African descent, this community panel discusses the origins of the production, key collaborative partners, and how intentional and reflective programming remains the key to success for the ICO
Panelist:
Joshua A Thompson
Kenyetta Dance Company
Ashlee 'Psywryn Simone' Baskin
Jared Thompson
Dana Stone
Hear Our Stories: The Life and Afterlife of Incarceration
Join us to hear stories from those who've experienced incarceration. Spark a conversation on prison and reentry issues.
In collaboration with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Trusted Mentors
We invite you to attend and listen to individuals sharing their stories of life before, within and outside of incarceration. These stories illustrate the issues surrounding our prison and reentry systems in hopes to spark a community conversation. Resources are shared if you would like to become involved in organizations that provide services for inmates and those trying to rebuild their lives after serving time.
Speak Up! Indiana Program Kick-off
Monday, December 4
Introducing "Speak Up! Indy: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change," a transformative program that pairs individuals who have experienced homelessness with experienced coaches for one-on-one practice, enabling them to share their stories with confidence. Developed in collaboration with dedicated individuals and organizations, this initiative, led by Guy-Jo Gordon of Corporate Supportive Housing and Pitt Thompson of Pro Act Indy, is set to make a lasting impact in Indianapolis. PTCC is the official home of Speak Up! Indy, hosting training sessions and events. The curriculum empowers supportive housing residents to become community leaders through workshops, coaching, public speaking engagements, and advocacy. With an annual cohort of 10-20 advocates, Speak Up! Indy seeks to showcase the power of tenant leadership in ending homelessness and creating hope for the future. Join us on this inspiring journey of empowerment and change.
Trail Talk: When You’re Young and an Immigrant
Thu Sept 14, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
What obstacles are specific to the young immigrant population of Indy and other American cities who are the first or second generation in this country? Please join us for this interesting and necessary discussion about a vibrant but often overlooked portion of our young community. Naturalization and Legal Service Coordinator Diana Avila, a former DACA recipient herself, leads this panel discussion with invited guests prior to the 7:30 pm performance of Sanctuary City by Martyna Majok. The talk is a collaboration with American Lives Theatre and the Immigrant Welcome Center.
Kristine Bunch and the Conviction Integrity Unit - October Trail Talk
On Wednesday, October 4th at 7:30-8:30 P.M. (Doors open at 7:00 P.M.), there will be a Trail Talk featuring Kristine Bunch and the Conviction Integrity Unit. Kristine Bunch spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted in connection with a mobile home fire that tragically claimed the life of her 3-year-old son. Kristine's case is an example of the injustices that can occur within the legal system. She was eventually exonerated and found to be innocent by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s Board of Trustees.
The Pendleton Two: They Stood Up - Documentary Screening
Moreover, there will be a Documentary Screening on Saturday, October 7th at 1:30-3:00 P.M. (Doors open at 1:00 P.M.), showcasing "The Pendleton Two: They Stood Up." This documentary highlights the story of the Pendleton Two, political prisoners in Indiana, who were sentenced to life in prison for saving a fellow inmate from the threat of racist prison guards. Discussion with the films director and community members will follow.
These events and presentations aim to increase awareness about wrongful convictions and the challenges faced by those who have been unjustly incarcerated. Through art, discussions, and documentaries, the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre's October program strives to engage the community in meaningful conversations about the importance of addressing and preventing wrongful convictions.
Trail Talk: The Myth of the Path to Citizenship
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023
The Phoenix partnered with the Immigrant Welcome Center and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to present this Talk detailing and personalizing the so-called "path" to American citizenship.
With support from John and Carolyn Mutz