What Are You? explores what it means to be multiracial in America
Vitals:
What Are You?
A roving theatre production about being multiracial in America
November 7-24, 2024 at 7 Stages
Created by Nicolette Emanuelle
With ensemble: Meredith Gordon, Monica Martell, Jacque Pritz and Arthur McDonald
Tickets at 7Stages.org/tickets
Learn more at 7stages.org/shows/what-are-you-11-7-24-2024/
ATLANTA—What Are You? is a theatrical exploration of what it means to be multi-racial in
America. Nicolette Emanuelle, who has roots in the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, delves into
the complexities of racial identity through a blend of movement, music, dance and personal
testimonies.
Creator Nicolette Emanuelle with ensemble–Meredith Gordon, Monica Martell, Jacque Pritz and
Arthur McDonald–confront the relentless question “what are you?”, weaving together striking
and moving commonalities found in interviews with other multi-racial individuals, highlighting
their unique struggles and the beauty of their identities.
The seven segments of this roving experience take place in different parts of the theatre. Blood
Quantum, Check the Box, White by Proxy, Something Beautiful, The Soap Box, Mirrors and
Popsicles take whimsical approaches to talking about very serious topics related to race. They
aim to show what it’s like to navigate life as a multi-racial individual, from the pervasive sense of
not belonging anywhere to the painful experiences of discrimination within their own
communities.
This production underscores the importance of cultural and racial identity in shaping our sense
of self and community, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases. We can
all foster a deeper understanding and practice empathy.
Join us for this powerful journey of storytelling and community engagement as we strive to
create a more inclusive and understanding society. What Are You? is not just a theatrical
experience; it’s a call to action, a plea for empathy, and a celebration of the rich tapestry of
multi-racial identities.
This 7 Stages production is being presented as part of the third annual First Voices Festival, a
celebration of Indigenous cultures. Learn more about the third annual First Voices Festival and
our partners at 7stages.org/shows/first-voices-festival/
About 7 Stages:
7 Stages brings local, national, and international emerging artwork of social, political, and
spiritual importance to Atlanta audiences. Since 1979, artists of all kinds have found 7 Stages to
be a haven for the development of new work.
7 Stages has resided on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Muscogee (Creek) people for
over 43 years. While we produce content that spans nationally and internationally, it is essential
for us to keep such inequities at the forefront of all that we do. We aim to honor these
communities past, present and future through conversations, practices and programming that
imagines and initiates what reparations look like for all. For every ticket sold, we include an
Indigenous land use fee. The proceeds are donated to our Indigenous partners annually.
Our Mission: 7 Stages is a professional, non-profit theatre company devoted to engaging
artists and audiences by focusing on the social, political, and spiritual values of contemporary
culture. 7 Stages gives primary emphasis to international work and the support and
development of new plays, new playwrights, and new methods of collaboration.
Our Vision: Our theatre will be a global center for the creation of vital conversations through
collaborative performance.
7 Stages Theatre
1105 Euclid Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-523-7647
www.7stages.org
All press inquiries:
Devi Wells – Marketing Coordinator
devi@7stages.org
Images available upon request.
What Are You? Media Kit