Special to The Truth
Causing drama doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Three Toledo-area youth were honored Aug. 5 in a special awards presentation at the Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., for their contributions to a recent stage production held at the venue.
Ashanti Hinton, 16, her brother Noah Hinton, 14, and Eden Kelly, 10, provided acting talent or technical support for the New Works Writers Series performance, “Our America: Black Dramatic Monologues” in June.
Imelda Hunt, PhD, New Works Writers Series founder and artistic director, says the three students helped support one of the organization’s most important performances of 2024.
“Not only did they participate in a responsible and professional manner in line with the best standards of live production,” says Hunt, “Ashanti, Noah and Eden made the Juneteenth celebration for New Works an artistic success.”
Juneteenth marks the date when the last enslaved Americans learned of their emancipation in 1865, and has often been observed with cookouts, carnivals, concerts, or other live entertainment. Presented in advance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, “Our America: Black Dramatic Monologues” highlighted the perspectives of historical figures to celebrate their sacrifices as a cultural tribute. Noah Hinton performed a monologue as Nat Turner, the enslaved Virginia man who led a deadly rebellion against Southern whites, and Eden Kelly performed as Ruby Bridges, the child who desegregated a New Orleans school. Ashanti Hinton provided technical support and graphics arts to help promote the show.
Eden attends Grove Patterson Academy. Ashanti Hinton is a student at St. Ursula Catholic, and Noah Hinton attends St. John Catholic.
“Especially since they’re just getting their sea legs in the realm of stage production, this was good experience to use in their portfolios if they pursue careers in the performing arts,” Hunt adds. “But I can’t stress enough how well they did in their respective roles, which is a benefit to the audience.”
“Our America: Black Dramatic Monologues” was supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.