Artivism: Turning Art into Action Through Performance & Dialogue

Artist Steve Parlato will display a selection of his collage portrait series, “They Are Not Disposable," which inspired the stage play “Not Disposable”. Throughout the art viewing portion of the program, the audience will experience live spoken word performance excerpts from the play, by the producers MayaRose Spoken Word and Steve Parlato as well as cast members, offering a powerful introduction to the themes explored throughout the event.

This Theatre Artivism event centers on Not Disposable: The Play, an immersive production inspired by Parlato’s response to racial injustice and societal brutality. His artwork serves as the emotional and visual foundation for the performance, transforming static imagery into a living, breathing theatrical experience.

The performance explores themes of racial injustice, systemic violence, and moral responsibility through the perspectives of young and adult Aiyana Jones. Supporting storylines examine ethical conflict within a pastor’s community and a professor’s role in confronting systemic inequity.