Are you the first in your family to grow up in this country? graduate from high school? go to college? speak English as your first language? be incarcerated? not be incarcerated? be adopted? be drug free? be openly GLBT? question your faith? choose a different faith? break the silence? be an artist? Are you First Generation ?

First Generation is an intensive, arts-based, youth leadership development program in Springfield, Massachusetts. It provides a platform for young people to have a public voice in their community, and beyond, through thoughtful exploration and creative expression of what it means to be First Generation.

First Generation brings together youth ages 15-22 who identify as "first generation,” for research, self-reflection, artistic training, and dialogue. Forming an artistic ensemble, the group creates multi-lingual performances based on their discoveries. First Generation members may be the first in their family to grow up in the United States, the first to speak English, to graduate high school, go to college, or many other firsts. The participants are multi-lingual and include youth who are court-involved. Community elders participate in our creative process by sharing their intergenerational experiences and perspectives.

First Generation addresses the complexity of embracing individuality while honoring one’s family and community cultures. Our performances and events invite audiences to participate in public dialogue about generational issues, and about how racism, economic oppression, bigotry, media and violence can sever youth from their cultural origins.

The work of First Generation is rooted in the belief that our cultural legacies and family histories are sources of strength as well as struggle, as we shape the constantly unfolding journey of our lives.

Artistic and Managing Director
Julie Lichtenberg

Artistic Co-Directors of BAKOK! Ensemble
Julie Lichtenberg and Ingrid Askew

Facilitators
James Arana and Beth Mattison

Community Collaborators "Mentors"
First Generation members are each paired with a Community Collaborator, a mentor, who offers one-on-one support. This may include sharing activities and adventures, helping with commitment to school, setting educational and career goals, and supporting their mentee in their involvement in First Generation.

First Generation members work with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in the Rebecca M. Johnson After School & Summer Arts Academy, becoming a mentor in the school community.

Community Elders
Elders participate in our creative process by sharing their experiences and perspectives.

BAKOK! Ensemble

            Rabin Adhikari • Ashley Gadson • Ago Gurung • Paris Holmes

                         Shareef Ibrahim • Yussuf Kassim • Abolish Lual

                                     Chiino Rios • Kinnethia Tolson

                                                      Itoro Udofia

Volunteers & Interns ... THANK YOU for all your help and generosity!
Carey Baker, Midnight Son Design
Bhuwanishor Gautam
Remy Ketzler, Hampshire College
Siddarth Lodaya
Phyllis Lutskey
Michael J. Manzi, Visual Artist: Online Gallery
Adam Plumb
Kara P. Serasis, Springfield College
Jeanette Somers, Bay Path College
Jayme Winell, Hampshire College

A BIG THANKS to:
• Chris Rohmann & Elaine Ulman for grantwriting support!
• CTS Delivery for transportation support!
• Mary Bombardier of Hampshire College’s Community Partnerships for Social Change!
• Frances Borden Hubbard for guidance and mentoring!

Here are some of the many ways that volunteers and interns work with First Generation and the Performance Project:

• Administrative Support
• Transportation Support
• Organizing and Staffing Events & Performances
• IT Support
• Graphic Design: Print & Web
• Fundraising PR
• Grantwriting

We are looking for a VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR!
If interested, please contact the Performance Project at 413-586-4960.

A BIG THANKS to:
• Chris Rohmann & Elaine Ulman for grantwriting support!
• CTS Delivery for transportation support!
• Mary Bombardier of Hampshire College’s Community Partnerships for Social Change!
• Frances Borden Hubbard for guidance and mentoring!

Performance Project Board of Directors
William R. Toller, Board Chair
James Hall
Paris Holmes
Frances Borden Hubbard
Hillary Rathbun
Ivan Schmidt
Robin Cossin
Yvonne Mendez

Advisory Board
Elsa Menendez
Edison Santana
Richard Carden

 

Dragon’s Den School of Martial Arts
Rebecca M. Johnson Visual and Performing Arts School
The National Hispanic Cultural Center
Out Now
Department of Youth Services
Springfield Adolescent Health Project

 

First Generation members train with professional artists in one-day workshops and full weekend retreats. The workshops focus on skill-building and supporting the creation of performance pieces. Potential artists include current and former Performance Project collaborators:

Writing
Maria Luisa Arroyo, Anida Esquerra, Magdalena Gomez

Theater
Angelica Castro, Celia Hilson, Gil McCauley, Elsa Menendez, Lenelle Moise, Steven Sapp

Martial Arts
James Arana, Anibal Jimenez, Max Lee

Dance, Movement, and Capoeira
Paul Dennis, Lesley Farlow, Molly Maxner, Joe Seitz, Wire Monkey

Drumming and Voice
Evelyn Harris, Heshima Moja, I-SHEA, Julissa Rodriguez, Jo Sallins

Visual Art
Carla Wojczuk

 

For future performances and events, please see our calendar.

 

 

For more information, please contact the Performance Project at 413-586-4960

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