Pilot Project:

I Dream of an Omaha Where….

Performed by current and former gang members and victims of gang violence together on one stage, “I Dream of an Omaha Where…” was created from the personal stories of those most affected by gang activity in Omaha. The result was a powerful, compelling and intense experience that greatly impacted audiences throughout the metro area and beyond.

Omaha has a long-standing problem with gangs and youth-on-youth violence and is one of the most dangerous cities to live in for Black youth. “I Dream of an Omaha Where…” was a collaborative project involving former gang members and people who have been affected by gangs. The project, moderated by nationally known performer and writer Daniel Beaty, took the participants through intense and moving workshops to a performance of a play which utilized the transcripts of the workshops. The project was a transformative experience for those sharing their stories, and it’s also changing the dialogue in Omaha and similarly affected cities about the nature and impact of gang violence. Most of all, it is putting a human face to those who have or still are participating in gangs and the people who have been tragically affected by gang violence.

We invite you to view the following videos about the “I Dream of an Omaha Where…” project and share them with others as we all dream together of a better Omaha.

I Dream of an Omaha Where . . 2 min promo – Preview of the film.   I Dream of an Omaha Where (6 min. Promo) – Extended preview of the film.

I Dream of an Omaha Where (15 min promo) – Ideal for presentations to civic and community groups.

I Dream of an Omaha Where… (Short Version) – 20 minute presentation that focuses on the creative process of the project and the transformative power of the arts. This version would be most interesting to theaters and arts organizations.

I Dream of an Omaha Where… (53 min) – Full-length version that premiered at Omaha’s Film Streams theater in October 2015 and won awards at various national and international film festivals.

2016 Projects:

Changed: Teen Pregnancy in Nebraska

In 2016, The Rose developed “Changed,” which looked at the impact teen pregnancy has on the lives of teens in our community. We invite you to view the following videos about this project and share them with others as we all work together to improve the lives of young people in our communities.

2016 Project:

In The Middle of No Where: The Voices of Incarcerated Youth

In 2016, The Rose developed two theatrical productions. The second of these projects, “In The Middle of Nowhere,” worked with incarcerated youth, giving them a voice to share their thoughts and feelings about the events that led up to their current situation. We invite you to view the following videos about these projects and share them with others as we all work together to improve the lives of young people in our communities.

2018 Project:

We Are DREAMers

The Rose Theater and Immigrant Legal Center teamed up with renowned actor, writer, director and activist Daniel Beaty and videographer Mele Mason to create a one-of-a-kind performance piece and documentary film that address the issues current DACA recipients face as their futures in this country remain uncertain. “We are DREAMers” features stories from young, undocumented immigrants who have been protected from deportation under the DREAM Act and reveals the impact DACA has made on DREAMers and our community.

We Are Dreamers from Mele Mason on Vimeo. DACA Short Version from Mele Mason on Vimeo.

2018 Project:

HOME: A Documentary About the Foster Care System

“Home” focuses on the issues within the foster care system in Nebraska. The documentary premiered at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater in the midst of Foster Care Awareness Month (May). This is the result of a unique collaboration between The Rose Theater, Daniel Beaty, Project Everlast and videographer Mele Mason. “The Foster Care System is complicated. While needed and necessary, in many cases it causes more trauma for young people than had they remained in their biological homes from which they were removed,” says Ronda Newman, Associate VP of Project Everlast. “Fundamental changes are necessary to improve how it operates, and the stories of young people, professionals, foster parents and other advocates depicted in this documentary will bring the issues to light in a way that all will understand.”

HOME? A Study of Foster Care from Mele Mason on Vimeo.