During a series of public performances at Worcester State University in April, CitySpeak, an innovative theater performance at Worcester State University, gave Worcesterites a chance to hear voices of those not usually heard in the public sphere. As an arts- and research-based approach to urban planning and community development, the CitySpeak Project was based on the interviews of over fifty Worcester residents representing almost every zip code of the city. Students from the Department of Urban Studies at Worcester State University, interviewed residents they met through the networks of its partner organizations including Girls Inc., Oak Hill CDC, Worcester Common Ground, African Community Education, Parent/Professional Advocacy League and Worcester’s NAACP. Students from Visual + Performing Arts used anonymous transcripts of the interviews to create a public performance piece that stimulated dialogue on the issues raised – racism in the city, lack of adequate transportation networks , inability to get trash picked up to name a few. All were stories of connection, disconnection, and non-connection from each other, City Hall, and the city in general.
What happens when you feel disconnected from the place where you live? What if you feel disempowered as if your voice does not matter? Who will listen? And if someone was listening, what would you say?
In "Jane Jacobs in the Woo", WooVoices is a visible, public way to share a personal story. Maybe you have a story too but want to do so more anonymously or privately. Please consider “cityspeaking” by linking up to the CitySpeak website and sharing whatever you want to say.