Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

Take a step in a new direction. This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen—they were all too busy. Washington, D.C. area native, New York Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings.

10 blocks. 10 unique tales. There’s something for everyone across these 10 vignettes about identity, compassion, fear, and friendship—as told through puppetry, dance, music, projections, audience participation, kamishibai (paper theater), and more. This faithful stage adaptation of Reynolds’ award-winning book (Carnegie Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, National Book Award for Young People’s Literature finalist, and more) encourages audiences to look both ways not only when crossing the street, but also when acknowledging the people walking by.

Created by Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour
World Premiere Co-production with Theater Alliance
Based on the book by Jason Reynolds
Adapted by El Chelito and Raymond O. Caldwell
Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell

For students in grades: 5-12
All Seats: $8
Curriculum connections: language arts, theater arts, social studies 

This is a performance for schools.

Photo Credit: Teresa Wood