Sidwell’s Black Student Union (BSU) will present its annual theater production on April 25 and 26, with an all-school preview scheduled during Founder’s Day on April 22. Composed of students from all grades, BSU puts countless hours of work into this performance every year. Past shows have often focused on political themes, but more recently the group has aimed to spread joy through productions that are both educational and entertaining. Previous topics have included a celebration of hip hop and the rise of Black Wall Street. 

This year’s production focuses on the story of four middle schoolers who travel back in time. According to senior and BSU director Mira Flood, the production was inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor. The high school team of writers chose to highlight Black inventors and their profound impacts on our society today. Featured figures include Garrett Morgan, who invented the three-position traffic signal. He also invented the gas mask, gaining national recognition when he used it to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel explosion in 1916. This BSU show shines a spotlight on inventors who have entirely changed the way our world functions for the better, but often go unnoticed or don’t receive the recognition they deserve. The BSU cast hopes this will show their audience a new perspective and story they haven’t heard before.

One unique aspect of the BSU production is that it is primarily student-led, allowing students to showcase their leadership, creativity, and organizational skills. For actors, the BSU production allows students to express their opinions, style and voice when performing. The students write the script for the play, set up rehearsals, organize the performance dates and so much more. “So far, the preparation for the show has been going really well,” Flood said. “Our writers were very diligent, and we were able to write our whole script in around a month. Our actors have been rehearsing since spring break and are very excited to perform the show.” As director, Flood has to attend every rehearsal, while most actors only have to come once or twice a week. The four leads have been practicing most days. With lighting, sound, costume and music, the effort, dedication and time required to perform this show is enormous but rewarding.

The BSU show also serves as a great way to strengthen relationships and build community. While they meet regularly, BSU members have stated that they started spending a lot more time with one another as rehearsals began, bringing them closer together. The BSU show brings the whole school together; even if students are not part of BSU, they get to see what the club discusses and what is important to them. 

Whether students are part of the BSU cast or watching the play being performed, this annual tradition holds significance for each Sidwell student and the culture of our school as a whole. “I’ve been seeing the BSU show since fifth grade,” freshman Jayna Agrawal said. “It highlights Sidwell’s diverse culture and range of ethnicities.” Freshman Maggie Kendall added, “I love how the show is a way for students to spark creativity.” The show has allowed Sidwell’s Black community to share their voice on important historical events. 

“Students can look forward to lots of laughter, songs, dances, and learning something new,” Flood said. “Hopefully, everyone will leave inspired.”