Gun violence leaves a devastating impact on families and communities, creating an urgent need for healing, awareness, and advocacy. 23: The Aftermath of Gun Violence is an event dedicated to addressing these needs through art, discussion, and action.

The event will feature:

• Visual Art Exhibition in Alvernia’s Miller Gallery that runs through March.
• The Grief Project is a 50-minute immersive performance on March 28-29 in Francis Hall Theatre by JCWK Dance Lab. Inspired by Shaykayarira Delrio-Gonzalez’s story and others who have experienced profound loss, this performance blends contemporary dance, original music, visual art, and storytelling. Performance begins at 8pm. Thank you, Reading Musical Foundation for your support! JCWK Dance Lab received an Outreach Grant from RMF for Marty Bonk’s music.
• Community Panel/ Audience Talkback. Immediately following The Grief Project.
• Call to Action/ Resources will be available for participants to get involved, learn more, or find support.

 

• Where: Alvernia University, Francis Hall Theatre
• When: March 28pm and 29th. Gallery exhibit and community resources begin at 7pm.
• Tickets are on sale! Click here. 

 

Partners include: JCWK Dance Lab, RIZE Youth Arts Program, Berks4Peace, Shaykayaria Delrio-Conzalez, Berks Not One More, Alvernia University, Dominic Murgido/ sudSSpirit, Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation, and PoetryThatWorks

Sponsors include: Reading Musical Foundation

 

 

IN THE PRESS:

WFMZ shared Shaykayarira’s story in three parts:

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3

Go behind the scenes with JCWK Dance Lab artists on The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange to learn more about their experiences with The Grief Project and 23: The Aftermath of Gun Violence. Click here.

Jessica and Shaykayarira sat down with local youth on RCity. Click here to watch. 

BCTV, Berks Weekly, and Broadway World shared our story! Click the media source name for the links.

WEEU830 interviewed Shaykayarira on The Afternoon Edge. 

JCWK Dance Lab has previewed aspects of this project at:

• Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe, Reading, PA 2025
• International Human Rights Arts Festival, NYC, 2024
• UNSEEN, Bethlehem, PA, 2024
• Philadelphia Fringe Festival, 2024
• In Nature’s Studio, Reading, PA 2024

How has this process come together? Go behind the scenes of the movement research with JCWK Dance Lab. Click here to see shorts of the rehearsal process. 

Become a sponsor! Click here for more information. 

Participate in Community Storytelling and learn more about BerksNotOneMore. Click here for more info. 

 

Pictures by Robin Michals.