A Medal for Willie

Newton Theatre company is thrilled to produce a virtual production of William Branch’s “A Medal for Willie”, a powerful play which examines the intersection of segregation and racism during a time when both were permitted to flourish. Set in a small town during the Jim Crow era with eerily contemporary parallels, A Medal for Willie serves as a reminder that bias and supremacy must always be challenged and that change can occur in even the smallest pockets of our society.

The play will be followed by an audience Q&A, with a panel of the cast, directors, and members of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ).

After the show, please stay for a talkback conversation facilitated by FORJ. We will explore the themes of bias, prejudice, and structural racism embedded within the play and confront its modern-day relevance. Theater offers a compelling and interesting vehicle for us to delve into challenging conversations with honesty and bravery. It is our hope that this talkback conversation is engaging, thought-provoking, and furthers our understanding of how we can interrupt the corrosive effects of racism.

This production is made possible by a generous grant from the Harmony Foundation, and is being produced in partnership with Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton. We are grateful to both of these organizations for their support.