TAKE A BOW
Now that you've seen the show, let's unpack.
Evaluating works of art can be challenging. Let's walk through some guided questions and activities to round out your experience.
1. ON THE BUS
Here are some questions that you can use to guide conversation on the way back to school:
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What resonated with you? (What does it mean to resonate?)
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What's one thing you'll remember about this experience a year from now?
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If you could work on any part of the production, what would you do?
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What do you "wonder?" Meaning - what would you like to learn more about?
2. CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
EXPLORING THEMES
Guide a classroom discussion on the themes of Uhuru, some of which are listed below. Then, use the attached lesson plan to explore these themes in more depth.
Belonging and Identity
Belonging and identity are central to Uhuru. Characters struggle to understand who they are while navigating different cultures, communities, and expectations. The play explores how identity can be shaped by both personal choices and the groups people belong to.
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Characters search for where they fit within their communities.
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Different cultural perspectives influence how characters see themselves and others.
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Feelings of isolation and acceptance shape important decisions.
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The play asks whether identity comes from heritage, community, or individual choice.
Where do you think the characters feels the strongest sense of belonging? Why?
Freedom and Self-Definition
Many characters seek the freedom to define themselves rather than be limited by the expectations of others. Uhuru explores what it means to make independent choices and create your own path.
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Characters challenge expectations placed upon them by family, society, or culture.
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The desire for independence influences important decisions.
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Self-discovery becomes an important part of personal growth.
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The play examines the balance between responsibility and personal freedom.
What does true freedom mean in the play? Can someone be free if others still define who they are?
Colonization, Ownership, and Cultural Power
Uhuru examines how power can shape relationships between people, cultures, and communities. The play raises questions about who has the right to claim ownership over land, resources, traditions, and stories.
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Characters experience the effects of unequal power structures.
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Cultural traditions may be challenged, ignored, or controlled by others.
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Different groups compete to define what is valuable or important.
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The play explores how history continues to influence the present.
Who holds the most power in the play? How does that power affect others?
Privilege, Labor, and Economic Inequality
The play explores how access to wealth, resources, and opportunities can create unequal experiences. Characters are affected by the economic systems around them in different ways.
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Some characters have greater access to power and resources than others.
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Work and labor play a role in shaping people's lives and opportunities.
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Economic inequality creates tension between individuals and groups.
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The play highlights how privilege can influence a person's choices and perspective.
Which character benefits the most from privilege? How does that affect the decisions they make?
Good Intentions, Impact, and the Need to Be Seen
Throughout Uhuru, characters often try to help others, but their actions do not always have the intended result. The play emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding, and recognizing other people's experiences.
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Characters may act with good intentions but still cause harm.
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Misunderstandings arise when people fail to listen to one another.
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The desire to be seen and understood influences many relationships.
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The play suggests that empathy requires more than simply wanting to help.
Can a person have good intentions and still do harm? Which character best demonstrates this idea in the play?
A DEEPER LOOK
Behind the scenes: Visit the show page on our website for more.
Discover videos, photos, and press coverage about the show, as well as more information about the creative team (playwright, director, and designers), and behind the scenes photos and stories at the bottom of the page!
Visit the Uhuru show page for more about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @alleytheatre for updates and behind the scenes about each upcoming production.
THANK YOU!
"HOUSTON, THIS IS YOUR THEATRE!"
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