Live Garra Theatre
NOW'S THE TIME:
A MEETING OF THE MINDS SUMMIT 2025
NOW'S THE TIME:
A MEETING OF THE MINDS SUMMIT 2025
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The Clothesline Project
deals with the sensitive subject of sexual assault Live Garra Theatre invited patrons to participate in hand-painting T-shirts, expressing words and graphics that speak to their lived experiences. The T-shirts hung on a clothesline tied throughout the theatre space. |
Melting Pot Blues
By C. G. Gardiner
By C. G. Gardiner
NOW'S THE TIME:
A MEETING OF THE MINDS SUMMIT
A play reading series
at the Silver Spring Blackbox Theatre
An advance showing of the 2026 season, Now’s the Time: A Meeting of the Minds Summit delivers storytelling from the top of the mountain.
Each play in the series envisions a time and place of what’s conceivable; a glimpse from the ridge, imagining transformation.
The stories may not solve the enigmas of the human condition but echo the state of affairs. Now’s the time to meet the moment; to stand on the precipice and stare into the face of the abyss.
Playback Theatre, a re-creation of stories focused on bias and marginalization, aids in community healing-- a heartening experience.
6/13/25 - 6/29/25
NOW'S THE TIME:
A MEETING OF THE MINDS SUMMIT
A play reading series
at the Silver Spring Blackbox Theatre
An advance showing of the 2026 season, Now’s the Time: A Meeting of the Minds Summit delivers storytelling from the top of the mountain.
Each play in the series envisions a time and place of what’s conceivable; a glimpse from the ridge, imagining transformation.
The stories may not solve the enigmas of the human condition but echo the state of affairs. Now’s the time to meet the moment; to stand on the precipice and stare into the face of the abyss.
Playback Theatre, a re-creation of stories focused on bias and marginalization, aids in community healing-- a heartening experience.
6/13/25 - 6/29/25
Shadowbox
By Wanda Whiteside
& Cheryl Butler-Poole
Friday, 6/13/25 (8 pm)
Inspired by the poem, “No Small Voices” written by renowned poet Sonia Sanchez, "Shadowbox" is the weaving of tales about three women and their recollections of a bad date night.
These are no small voices, you hear?!
"If I had known, if I had known you, I would have left my love at home..." -Sonia Sanchez
Monteggia Fracture
By Jack Wibbe
Saturday, 6/14/25 (8 pm)
The story of a woman who is helping victims escape domestic violence;
as she flees from her abusive, very well-connected husband.
By Jack Wibbe
Saturday, 6/14/25 (8 pm)
The story of a woman who is helping victims escape domestic violence;
as she flees from her abusive, very well-connected husband.
Rhinoceros
By Eugene Ionesco
Sunday, 6/15/25 (3 pm)
The story of a small town that is suffering from a ‘rhinoceritis' epidemic. One by one, the inhabitants all turn into rhinoceroses; group think is out of control until only one man remains, determined to fight for humanity.
SEE THE FULL PRODUCTION IN 2026!
Parental guidance is advised; adult and controversial themes may be discussed
~~~~ Now's the Time ~~~~
Playback Theatre following the matinee
Sun., 6/15 (5 pm)
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Playback Theatre following the matinee
Sun., 6/15 (5 pm)
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Tea with Michelle
By Louise V. Gray
Thursday, 6/19/25 (8 pm) (Juneteenth)
Friday, 6/20/25 (8 pm)
As a dream sequence in this fantasy drama, “Michelle” has invited four women to the White House. Each of them is a Character representing historic African American women who have contributed to their race and the growth of America.
By Louise V. Gray
Thursday, 6/19/25 (8 pm) (Juneteenth)
Friday, 6/20/25 (8 pm)
As a dream sequence in this fantasy drama, “Michelle” has invited four women to the White House. Each of them is a Character representing historic African American women who have contributed to their race and the growth of America.
CELEBRATE
Caribbean American Heritage
MONTH
Caribbean American Heritage
MONTH
Melting Pot Blues
By C. G. Gardiner
Saturday, 6/21/25 (8 pm)
Set in Washington, DC., Tom Crossdale and his wife, Mavis are immigrants from the fictional country of St. Sabastian. They have two children; Faith and Winston. Tom yearns to return to St. Sabastian. This is a source of tension in the family. Matters come to a head when infidelity enters into the situation.
Rhinoceros
By Eugene Ionesco
Sunday, 6/22/25 (3 pm)
The play is the story of a small town that is suffering from a ‘rhinoceritis' epidemic. One by one, the inhabitants all turn into rhinoceroses; group think is out of control until only one man remains, determined to fight for humanity.
SEE THE FULL PRODUCTION IN 2026!
Parental guidance is advised; adult and controversial themes may be discussed
Blue Streak Week
The Misfortune of Kings
By Thomas Mason, Jr.
Friday, 6/27/25 (8 pm)
Johnny Williams a rising, African American baseball superstar, is forced into a desperate struggle with the president of the Red Hawks baseball team Charles McDaniels, when he learns his friend and mentor Sam Lacy who is about to be let go.
Rhinoceros (encore)
Saturday, 6/28 (8 pm)
SEE THE FULL PRODUCTION IN 2026!
Saturday, 6/28 (8 pm)
SEE THE FULL PRODUCTION IN 2026!
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Melting Pot Blues (encore)
Sunday, 6/29 (3 pm)
Sunday, 6/29 (3 pm)
~~~~ Now's the Time ~~~~
Playback Theatre following the matinee
Sun., 6/29 (5 pm)
Playback Theatre following the matinee
Sun., 6/29 (5 pm)
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Playback Theatre: A Community Heartening Experience
Post-show discussion following Sunday matinees
Playback Theatre invites the audience to tell a moment from their life, and then watch the re-creation of their stories with improvised scenes; focused on issues of bias and marginalization with artistic shape and nuance.
Playback Theatre encourages story-sharing to find connections between stories, fostering meaningful dialogue through shared understandings or experiences. It allows the storyteller to see his or her personal stories from different perspectives.
Playback Theatre Story-Sharing Conversations
Sun., 6/29 (5 pm)
Playback Theatre: A Community Heartening Experience
Post-show discussion following Sunday matinees
Playback Theatre invites the audience to tell a moment from their life, and then watch the re-creation of their stories with improvised scenes; focused on issues of bias and marginalization with artistic shape and nuance.
Playback Theatre encourages story-sharing to find connections between stories, fostering meaningful dialogue through shared understandings or experiences. It allows the storyteller to see his or her personal stories from different perspectives.
Playback Theatre Story-Sharing Conversations
Sun., 6/29 (5 pm)
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MONTGOMERY MAGAZINE ON STAGE
LIVE GARRA MAKES THEATER WITH PERSISTENCE
BY LISA TRAIGER
MONTGOMERY MAGAZINE ON STAGE
LIVE GARRA MAKES THEATER WITH PERSISTENCE
BY LISA TRAIGER
"GARRA IS A PORTUGUESE WORD for the curved or hooked claw of a bird of prey or animal. And it’s an unexpected name for a theater company. But after spending some time with Silver Spring based actor, producer and educator Wanda Whiteside it becomes clear why she chose the name Live Garra Theatre, with its mission to 'illuminate all facets of a multicultural society and to preserve the unique legacy of the African American heritage.'” - L. Traiger
The Window King
A Brooklyn Village Songbook
A Brooklyn Village Songbook
Welcome to Live Garra Theatre!
OUR MISSION
Live Garra Theatre exists to illuminate all facets of a multicultural society, fostering cross-cultural understanding and amplifying the many voices within the community. The organization aspires to create space for wide-ranging stories to be told, and all-embracing perspectives are shared and celebrated.
Through its programming, Live Garra Theatre provides a safe harbor for youth, encouraging their participation and growth through the arts. The organization stands as a champion for people from all backgrounds, ensuring that their stories are heard, valued, and preserved for future generations.
Live Garra Theatre employs the cultural arts to address universal social-life issues and is dedicated to safeguarding the unique legacy of a People's heritage, rich in storytelling traditions, integral to the cultural tapestry of Montgomery County, MD and the larger DMV region.
OUR VISION
"Garra" means claws in Portuguese —to hold on and persevere. The haunting Negro Spiritual, 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' was sung by runaway slaves, secretly guiding them, passing directions north along the Underground Railroad, using the Big Dipper constellation, the drinking gourd in the sky as a signpost.
The Big Dipper guided African Americans' ancestors through dark dangerous pathways across places like Maryland. These journeys relied on safe houses and resilience—going the distance, never giving up. They endured; they lived Garra until they saw the light of liberty. “Children, if you get tired, keep going; if you are scared, keep going; if you are hungry, keep going; if you want to taste freedom ... keep going.” - Harriet Tubman
OUR CORE VALUES
Live Garra Theatre’s organizational values are the foundation for its programming and deeply align with the company’s mission. Central to these values is a commitment to cultivating an environment where respect and dignity are paramount. Live Garra Theatre upholds a non-discrimination policy rooted in a public-spirited ethic: to treat others as one wishes to be treated, echoing the principle, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Live Garra Theatre emphasizes building social connections through compassion and healing. At the core of Live Garra Theatre’s culture is a commitment to raising awareness and promoting collaboration among its board, artists, staff, and audience. The Live Garra Theatre values free expression of ideas, welcoming and supporting all perspectives within the organization.
OUR QUINTESSENCE
Live Garra Theatre is committed to making a meaningful impact and enriching the community it serves. As a resident company of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, it operates from the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, functioning as both a performance training studio and an incubator for artistic talent. The organization brings together a core repertory of skilled poets, playwrights, and artists, who collaborate and share in the richness of cultural arts.
The theatre offers a diverse array of programming, including full-length productions, play readings, acting seminars, internships, workshops, lectures, and interactive question and answer sessions.
Through this commitment, Live Garra Theatre aims to foster positive change in underserved communities and to advance the cause of social justice. The organization supports a vibrant and unified community, rooted in the belief that every individual’s experience contributes to the richness of society.
Why Our Lives Matter ...
Live Garra Theatre exists to illuminate all facets of a multicultural society, fostering cross-cultural understanding and amplifying the many voices within the community. The organization aspires to create space for wide-ranging stories to be told, and all-embracing perspectives are shared and celebrated.
Through its programming, Live Garra Theatre provides a safe harbor for youth, encouraging their participation and growth through the arts. The organization stands as a champion for people from all backgrounds, ensuring that their stories are heard, valued, and preserved for future generations.
Live Garra Theatre employs the cultural arts to address universal social-life issues and is dedicated to safeguarding the unique legacy of a People's heritage, rich in storytelling traditions, integral to the cultural tapestry of Montgomery County, MD and the larger DMV region.
OUR VISION
"Garra" means claws in Portuguese —to hold on and persevere. The haunting Negro Spiritual, 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' was sung by runaway slaves, secretly guiding them, passing directions north along the Underground Railroad, using the Big Dipper constellation, the drinking gourd in the sky as a signpost.
The Big Dipper guided African Americans' ancestors through dark dangerous pathways across places like Maryland. These journeys relied on safe houses and resilience—going the distance, never giving up. They endured; they lived Garra until they saw the light of liberty. “Children, if you get tired, keep going; if you are scared, keep going; if you are hungry, keep going; if you want to taste freedom ... keep going.” - Harriet Tubman
OUR CORE VALUES
Live Garra Theatre’s organizational values are the foundation for its programming and deeply align with the company’s mission. Central to these values is a commitment to cultivating an environment where respect and dignity are paramount. Live Garra Theatre upholds a non-discrimination policy rooted in a public-spirited ethic: to treat others as one wishes to be treated, echoing the principle, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Live Garra Theatre emphasizes building social connections through compassion and healing. At the core of Live Garra Theatre’s culture is a commitment to raising awareness and promoting collaboration among its board, artists, staff, and audience. The Live Garra Theatre values free expression of ideas, welcoming and supporting all perspectives within the organization.
OUR QUINTESSENCE
Live Garra Theatre is committed to making a meaningful impact and enriching the community it serves. As a resident company of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, it operates from the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, functioning as both a performance training studio and an incubator for artistic talent. The organization brings together a core repertory of skilled poets, playwrights, and artists, who collaborate and share in the richness of cultural arts.
The theatre offers a diverse array of programming, including full-length productions, play readings, acting seminars, internships, workshops, lectures, and interactive question and answer sessions.
Through this commitment, Live Garra Theatre aims to foster positive change in underserved communities and to advance the cause of social justice. The organization supports a vibrant and unified community, rooted in the belief that every individual’s experience contributes to the richness of society.
Why Our Lives Matter ...
Supported in part by
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About our Artistic Producer
Dr. Whiteside accepts ISI Fellow award
Dr. Whiteside has been conferred with the designation Fellow for Institute for Social Innovation at Fielding Graduate University. As a recipient of the prestigious Dianne Kipnes Social Innovation Award; she will advance her work as a researcher-practitioner, conducting an ongoing workshop series that incorporates Playback Theatre, a performance exercise that invites the audience to participate in the creation of improvised scenes focused on racial bias and issues of marginalization.
Dr. Whiteside trained at the Boston Conservatory of Music, HB Actor's Studio and Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts in New York. She has performed professionally at the Olney Theatre Center, the Arena Stage and the Round House Theatre. She served as a judge for the NAACP ACT-SO competitions and presenter at the University of Maryland Black Theatre Symposium on the state of Black Theatre in America. Dr. Whiteside had a 15-year tenure as a Director/Editor at Discovery Communications, Inc. She and her husband owned and operated the Bonifant Theatre Space in Silver Spring, MD, which served as the Zora Neale Hurston Stage for the DC Black Theatre Festival.
Wanda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Howard University. She received a Master of Science in Business Management from Strayer University and holds a Master’s degree and Doctorate of Education in Leadership for Change, both from Fielding Graduate University. Wanda is currently a faculty member at Montgomery College as an Acting instructor. Dr. Whiteside received an Honorable Citation from the Maryland State House of Delegates for her work with the Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., of which she is a founding member and advisory board member. Dr. Whiteside is a founding member and current ex-officio board member of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, Inc. She was awarded Montgomery’s Best Honoree Community Service award. Dr. Whiteside believes "Artistry is the insatiable desire to be free"-w.
“Respecting Race and Recognizing Racism through Playback Theatre"
