Riot: Bring Back the Black Beat

Riot is a powerful and engaging solo performance that takes the audience on a journey through the life and memories of Freddie Gray. Set in a minimalistic music studio, the play follows Freddie as he attempts to write a hit song. He struggles to recall a specific beat that he knows is crucial for his song. This leads Freddie to delve into his past, recounting dulled memories and flashbacks leading to his wrongful arrest, the brutality he endured, and the injustice that ultimately led to his death. As he pieces together his story, the beat he has been searching for emerges as a metaphor for his heartbeat, representing his life's rhythm and the struggles of his community. Through interactive chants and rhythms, Freddie engages the audience, creating a shared experience that mirrors the heartbeat of his community. The play explores themes of memory, resilience, and the fight for justice, culminating in a powerful realization that Freddie's heartbeat lives on in the collective spirit of those who continue to fight for change.