Join ICP and the Civilian Theater for The Civilians presents Showing Up, a free live-streamed evening of songs and monologues inspired by photographer Accra Shepp’s portraits of Black Lives Matter activists. In the spring of 2020, Shepp began taking portraits of first responders at work, bearing witness to the humanity of those on the frontlines of the pandemic. Shared on Instagram, these images became his Covid Journals, a first chapter “Contagion,” leading to “Hunger,” and then, as historic activism filled the streets of New York following the murder of George Floyd, a third, ongoing chapter, “Justice.”

The Civilians, a company known for its innovative approach to documentary theater, interviewed some of the activists of this chapter, all photographed by Shepp at various Black Lives Matter gatherings. SHOWING UP, directed by Colette Robert, features performances by actors drawn verbatim from these interviews mixed with original songs by songwriters Jacinth Greywoode & Rebecca Hart; Katie Madison & Jarrett Murray; Jaime Lozano and more. A conversation with Accra Shepp frames the evening.

Admission to this virtual program is free with a suggested donation—help keep public programs accessible to all by donating today.