Students at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts are preparing to bring the play “Lawbreakers!” to the stage on Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $10 at the door. The production was commissioned by Louisville’s StageOne Family Theatre to mark the 100‑year anniversary of women’s right to vote.
Play highlights local history and social issues
Playwright Diana Grisanti, a professor at Ball State University, spoke with the middle‑school cast via Google Meet, explaining how the drama weaves Akron’s 1851 Women’s Convention into a broader story about racism and classism in the suffrage movement. The narrative follows teenage stepsisters Maya and Kiara, who travel back in time to witness pivotal events. Maya, played by 13‑year‑old Samiyah Kane, believes in working within the political system, while Kiara, portrayed by Payton Hodges, takes a more rebellious stance.
Grisanti emphasized the importance of showing internal struggles within the movement, asking whether activists should “burn everything down” or try to change the system from within. She hopes the play will resonate with today’s youth, offering lessons on love, compassion, and understanding the challenges others face.
Student voices and learning
Students say the production is more than entertainment. “It can relate to many problems today,” Kane said, noting the play’s relevance to family dynamics and broader social issues. Theatre teacher Rachel Kelly chose the piece for its connection to Akron’s “Rubber City” heritage and its educational value.
Kelly explained that Miller South requires participants to maintain strong grades and attendance, meaning all 16 actors and 25 crew members are earning As and Bs while rehearsing. The school’s rigorous standards aim to develop both artistic talent and academic achievement.
Seventh‑grader Ryan McCraney serves on the dramaturgy team, researching historical details for the cast. He discovered that suffragists often sang political parodies rather than chanting slogans, and he was surprised to learn that Sojourner Truth delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in Akron at the Old Stone Church.
Community support
Parents and alumni are actively involved. Haley Jones, another 13‑year‑old performer, helps with costumes and set construction alongside her parents, who are former students of the art school. “These kids are keeping up with academics while diving into history,” Kelly said, praising their dedication.
The production reflects Miller South’s mission to provide a well‑rounded education that blends arts, history, and civic awareness, giving students a platform to explore complex topics in a supportive environment.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
