STUDENTS ON STAGE: The story of the namesakes of Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts, and their fight for racial equality, is the subject of an original play featuring students and prepared by Passage Theatre Company. (Photo by Jeff Stewart)

Passage Theatre Company is preparing for the premiere of Janet Wide Awake: The Hedgepeth-Williams Dream, an original play written by David Lee White, Richard Bradford, and students at the Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts. Performances are March 31-April 3 at the Hedgepeth-Williams School, 301 Gladstone Avenue, Trenton.

Geared to families and young audiences ages 10 and up, the play tells the true story of Gladys Hedgepth and Berline Williams and their fight for racial equality at the Trenton school formerly known as Junior High Number 2.

“At Passage, we believe that theater has the power to transform its participants; to inspire understanding of the rich diversity of the human experience; and to serve as a passage between our own lives and the empathy we can feel for others,” said Artistic Director C. Ryanne Domingues. “Our upcoming production of Janet Wide Awake is a perfect example of how we put our mission to action. This production is a shared experience that we can carry into the world and use as a catalyst for inclusive conversation, connection, and change in our community.”

In the 1940s, Hedgepeth and Williams challenged the Trenton school formerly known as Junior High No. 2 and its policy of segregation after their children were not admitted due to their race. After a historic legal battle, the New Jersey Supreme Court struck down the widespread practice of segregation in New Jersey public schools. Written and performed by both theater professionals and students from Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts, Janet Wide Awake shares Trenton’s local history with the next generation and shows audiences what can happen when one stands up for what’s right.

The cast features Richard Bradford, Johanna Tolentino, and Monah Yancy, along with 17 students from the Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts. The show is directed by Andrew Binger. After each performance, there will be a talkback with the artists where audience members can ask questions and engage with the material. These talkbacks are moderated by a nonprofit professional from the community who has in-depth knowledge regarding the topics explored in Janet Wide Awake.

Tickets are $25 adults, $5 for children, and are available at passagetheatre.org.