Playwright: Ann Eskridge, Gail Parrish, Forest Hudson, Maureen Paraventi, and Shawntai Brown
Directed By: Ashley M Lyle
Production Snapshot
Breaking Laws to Gain Freedom: Liberating Stories of Detroit is a devised theatrical piece penned by Extra Mile Playwrights Theatre retelling of true local events that had an impact on the civil rights and liberties of Black people nationwide. Spanning 1833-1959, these stories offer glimpses into the narratives of fugitives who escaped to Canada, soldiers who took up arms, and neighbors who fought for their rightful places in the city. The writers of this show include Ann Eskridge, Gail Parrish, Forest Hudson, Maureen Paraventi, and Shawntai Brown. The Extra Mile Playwrights Theatre is a group of Detroit-area playwrights, actors, directors and producers dedicated to showcasing local theatre. The mission of EMPT is to build community by creating and developing transformative stories through the written word, storytelling and performance.