Unbossed & Unbowed – JCTC Debuts Full Production of Shirley Chisholm Play at NJCU’s West Side Theatre

The life and times of one of the most pivotal and groundbreaking politicians of the 20^th Century gets the full production treatment when Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) brings Unbossed & Unbowed to New Jersey City University’s West Side Theatre, 285 West Side Ave Jersey City, New Jersey 07305 on September 12^th – opening NJCU’s Center for the Arts First Annual Festival of Independent Theatre Companies.

Unbossed & Unbowed is a one woman play about Shirley Chisholm, the first black Congresswoman and the first black woman to run for president. The play was researched, written by and stars Ingrid Griffith, playwright, journalist, educator and actress. This premier production is directed by Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC.

Chisholm, who dedicated her life to fighting for the poor, working class, people of color, and women, was born in Brooklyn to immigrant, Afro-Caribbean parents. She went on to become the first black woman elected to congress in the turbulent year of 1968 and went on to serve seven terms before retiring in 1983. In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

“Look at how many women are running today for the Democratic Presidential nomination,” said Levina. “JCTC is committed to creating theater that is relevant to what is going on in the world today.  The role of women when it comes to political power, is one of the most important topics of our times, especially as we head into what will be one of the most decisive presidential elections in history. Shirley Chisholm’s work for justice and equality came at great personal sacrifice and we not only owe her a debt, but her life has lessons to teach us all.”

The West Side Theatre debut of Unbossed & Unbowed is also part of Stories of Greenville, JCTC’s multi-year arts program that uses arts as means to further neighborhood revitalization of the Greenville section of Jersey City, a community that is 83 percent African-American.

“Unbossed & Unbowed challenges us to know our history,” said Griffith. “I want to show what it took for Shirley Chisholm to become the first African-American Congresswoman in the U.S. and why her voice still resonates today.”

The play has had a long gestation process that included staged readings and partial performances in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City. JCTC presented an Unbossed & Unbowed staged reading of Griffith’s work-in-progress last October and a reading of the entire play as part of JCTC’s New Play Festival in May.

“They pushed her aside, called her insane, yet she found the strength to get up again and again and push forward with dignity, honor and a genuine smile,” said Levina. “I am honored to direct the show about the extraordinary Shirley Chisholm who had the guts to speak up and demand change.”

The production at NJCU’s West Side Theatre will include staging, projections and audio-samples from the news reports era that saw the rise of this remarkable political leader. Through her meticulous research, Griffith has mirrored Chisholm’s authentic look – from 1960s era dresses to her actual glasses. Not only will this be the premier of the complete production, but is a crucial step in developing Unbossed & Unbowed into a touring show.

Unbossed & Unbowed also opens NJCU’s First Annual Festival of Independent Theatre Companies, a three-day festival highlighting five New York and New Jersey independent theatre companies/playwrights and celebrating the work that they do. The festival also includes talk-backs with the artists and Saturday workshops.

Unbossed & Unbowed tickets are $25 General Admission and $15 Students/Seniors (with ID, at door only).

To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.njcu.edu/community/center-arts/theatre-dance  .

Please select JCTC-September 12

Unbossed & Unbowed
Thursday/September 12 at 8PM
West Side Theatre
285 West Side Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: https://www.njcu.edu/community/center-arts/theatre-dance .

For more information about Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) visit www.jctcenter.org

Photo Caption: Ingrid Griffith, writer, actor and creator of Unbossed & Unbowed, a one-woman show about Shirley Chisholm.