Greenwood 1964 stage play

Hello my name is Mohammed Ali Ojarigi, Director, Playwright, Creator and Acting Coach. Founder/ Artistic Director of the former MOments Playhouse Theatre in Los Angeles. Current Producing Director of the Greenway Court Theatre - Los Angeles.

In 2011 shortly after taking in Harry Belafonte's documentary "Sing Your Song" I was incredibly inspired by his life story and wrote a play entitled Greenwood 1964 that same year. I'm raising money to bring this play to The Greenway Court Theatre February of 2025.

Greenwood 1964 is a poignant play that immerses audiences into a transformative period in American civil rights history; vividly capturing the mood, urgency and challenges of summer 1964. This narrative brings to the forefront the audacious efforts of luminaries Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte as they ventured into the Deep South - Mississippi, a state notorious for its racial tensions. Their mission? To amplify and support the voices advocating for voting rights, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with courageous leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose presence and influence are featured prominently in the play.

Their alliance with SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) was more than symbolic. Poitier and Belafonte bolstered the movement with essential financial aid, bridging activism with tangible resources. Their commitment laid bare an inspiring portrait of resilience, solidarity, and an unwavering resolve to combat systemic racism.

"Greenwood 1964" does more than simply recount history; it draws striking parallels between the past and our present. By contrasting the triumphant enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with its disheartening reversal in 2013, the play provides a contemplative examination of America's meandering journey towards genuine equality and justice. We envision "Greenwood 1964" as more than a play. It is a vehicle for reflection, education, and dialogue; challenging young audiences to engage, question, and carry forward the legacy of those who dared to challenge the status quo.

Greenwood 1964 has had workshop developments in Los Angeles most notably the beautiful 500 seat Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) for the Paul Robeson Theatre Festival-Robey Theatre Company. The prestigious Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis (Blackness is… Arts Festival) and The Hollywood Fringe Festival.

“The most interesting play of the Paul Robeson Theatre Festival”

Ed Rampell- Hollywood Progressive

“The exchanges and sharing of fears and hopes by both men at times raised to such a tense level that I could feel the audience shifting in their seats. Bravo to a performance I won’t soon forget!

Samantha Simmonds Ronceros- NOHO Arts District

Notable accolades include:

“The Encore Award” from 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival along with the “Pick Of The Hollywood Fringe Award”.

The play Greenwood 1964 was recently commissioned for an impactful reading/ Freedom Summer curriculum for youth of the Boys & Girls Club- Mississippi Delta (2023)

The aftermath of Covid has put the state of Theatre in Los Angeles in a crisis, with multiple venues forced to close their doors and notable venues canceling full seasons. It's been difficult to witness and heavy to hold as someone who wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of live theater. Theatre is expensive to produce and but I believe it can be revitalized through producing compelling stories audiences new and old can appreciate and experience together. We currently have a backing of $13,500 for this production. We desperately need your help to raise $30,000 to mount this educational/monumental production. Funds will be used for production cost, cast and creative team fees. Thank you for your support!

Harry Belafonte & Playwright Mohammed Ali Ojarigi

Since 1997, Greenway Arts Alliance has been connecting communities through performing arts, educational programs, and local commerce. Our model funds holistic arts education programming in public schools through a community market, the Melrose Trading Post. The Melrose Trading Post, is a cultural destination for thousands every Sunday that funds a flourishing arts program at Fairfax High School, and Greenway Court Theatre, a home for works from emerging and established artists.