No Sit / No Lie

No Sit / No Lie (November 10-12, 2017) was a theatre piece that sparked a community dialogue around the history, impact, and alternatives for the No Sit / No Lie city ordinance in Austin, TX. The performance was a participatory event, inspired by a court format, in which the No Sit / No Lie ordinance was explored. The piece was created and performed by non-actors who experience homelessness, as well as their allies (professional actors and artists), under the lead of director Roni Chelben. Influenced by the Theatre of the Oppressed approach to theatre for social change, the performance presented theatrical scenes, video segments, and poetic readings based on the participants’ experiences, as well as other stakeholders’ narratives. Following these testimonies, both participants and audiences were invited to comment, act on stage, suggest alternatives for the existing ordinance, and vote on them. No Sit / No Lie took place at the Trinity Street Players theatre. We also held another performance and workshop on November 5th for families experiencing homelessness, which was hosted by the First Baptist Church of Austin as part of the church’s Interfaith Hospitality Week. Workshops and rehearsals were hosted by the First Baptist Church of Austin.

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Video

The Team