October 27, 2024 | Theatre, Notes From Leadership,

A Note From Ronee Penoi on On the Eve of Abolition

The year is 2047 and formerly incarcerated people, organizers, and families across the liberated lands formerly known as the United States and Mexico have come together to end the last remaining prison as we know it. This is the future that is imagined in On the Eve of Abolition. Through a stunning multimedia blend of puppets, video projection, and miniature sets–this inventive piece is a beautiful rallying cry for creating a better future for us all. 

Led by the visionary artists at Papel Machete and the team at AgitArte, On the Eve of Abolition centers Puerto Rican voices and, through their partnership with Prison Radio, amplifies the voices and artistry of political prisoners and incarcerated artists. We are grateful to the entire creative team at Papel Machete, and, in particular, founder, creator and Emerson Alumni Jorge Diaz for his passion to bring On the Eve of Abolition to Boston. 

A vision such as this one is only possible through collaboration and support. We are thrilled that On the Eve of Abolition is robustly supported by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. It is so meaningful to have the City of Boston join us in this act of imagination. Additionally, we are honored to co-present this piece with Ágora Cultural Architects, co-founded by creative powerhouse (and World Alive! Honoree) Elsa Mosquera-Sterenberg. Their commitment to amplifying Puerto Rican artists and stories on our stages is extraordinary and we are so thankful for their partnership. 

We look forward to having you join us at the Emerson Paramount Center for On the Eve of Abolition, running from October 31-November 3. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the Box Office. See you soon!