Media Unit plans anti-gang performances
SYRACUSE -- Syracuse's Media Unit is planning a summer tour to 14 city parks, with a 'street performance' that will look at teen violence and alternatives.
"Angels with Broken Wings: If There Was Peace" is performed by teen performers, with the anti-gang message aimed at peers. Walt Sheppard, who heads the Media Unit, calls gangs Turf Crews, and says that many of the youth involved would like to get out, but don't know alternatives.
This year's story features a story line based on Darre Evans, who was jumped and stabbed back in 2008. He's a 'second generation' Media Unit member, following in his mother's footsteps, and says the incident actually encouraged him to get more involved to get the word out on more peaceful alternatives. He also works at the Syracuse Rescue Mission, preparing meals. Evans says he wants to reach out to people who need help staying on their feet.
Sheppard says he's also talking to incarcerated young men at Syracuse's Justice Center to get the language right, and to get story lines for the production. He says law enforcement officials have told him that if the charges are not too severe, the prisoners who help out may also be part of some of the summer productions.
Angels with Broken Wings: If There Was Peace will start running in July, at 1:00 p.m. at:
July 9, Friday Columbus Circle
July 12, Monday Cannon St.
July 12, Tuesday Barry Park
July 15, Thursday NE Community Ctr
July 16, Friday Libba Cotton Grove
July 19, Monday Schiller Park
July 20, Tuesday Wilson Park
July 22, Thursday Skiddy Park
July 23, Friday Kirk Park
July 26, Monday Westmoreland Park
July 27, Tuesday SW Community Center
July 29, Thursday Ward Park
August 2, Mon McChesney Park
August 3, Tues Frazer School
For more information call 478-8648.
