Broadway isn’t up back up and running yet but that hasn’t stopped the cast, creative, and producing teams of “Jagged Little Pill” from working together to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to a press release, the production’s actors, director Diane Paulus, writer Diablo Cody, and more will reunite for “Wake Up: Why Social Responsibility in Theatre Matters,” a virtual discussion series set to air on NYC Life. The four-part project will run weekly installments beginning April 2 at 11 p.m.
“Wake Up” will explore the importance of socially responsible storytelling in regards to sexual assault, gender expression and sexuality, transracial adoption and race representation, and opioid addiction. “Jagged Little Pill’s” cast and crew will be joined by the Impact Board of Advisors, which Paulus formed “with a goal of setting a higher standard of sensitivity and awareness within the company of [the show] and a template for shows to come. Each committee member specializes in an issue addressed in the musical, and advised the creative team and cast throughout the show’s development.”
Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy-winning album of the same name, “Jagged Little Pill” is the story of a family grappling with emotional and mental pain. It opened on Broadway in December 2019 and nabbed 15 Tony nominations as well as the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
“The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Media are proud to work with the team at ‘Jagged Little Pill’ to launch this series during Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said the Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo. “This new series inspires important conversations around gender based violence, sexism, racism, and substance abuse. It also showcases the power of theater to connect people through storytelling while raising awareness of critical issues.”
Paulus added, “We’re so thrilled to be partnering with the Mayor’s Office to release this series, which highlights the rigorous work, powerful partnerships, and vital experiences that continue to support ‘Jagged Little Pill’s mission in advocating for socially-responsible storytelling in theater. This extended period of suspension for the live arts community has been incredibly challenging, but it has also been a crucial time of social activism and reflection. The idea of ‘waking up’ to face the world around us is a major theme of our musical, and of Alanis Morissette’s music, so we felt inspired to reconvene virtually with our Impact Advisors in this pivotal moment and share our process.”
A promo for “Wake Up” is below.
