Brévo Theatre Presents Rooted & Resilient: A National Monologue Competition
One-Day Festival to Spotlight Stories of Identity, Justice and Bold Expression at Ali Cultural Center on August 23, 2025
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Brévo Theatre proudly announces Rooted & Resilient: an empowering one-day festival culminating in a monologue competition dedicated to storytelling, social justice and artistic transformation. This compelling cultural event will take place Saturday, August 23 at the Ali Cultural Arts Center in the heart of Broward County, with support from the Broward Cultural Division and Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs. Tickets to attend the full day are $15.
Rooted in the belief that every voice deserves to be heard, Rooted & Resilient invites audiences and artists alike to witness the power of words when grounded in truth, lived experience and creative courage. Through the lens of monologue, emerging and established performers will take the stage to confront injustice, celebrate resilience and share stories often silenced or ignored.
“Rooted & Resilient is more than a competition—it is a platform for expression,” said Terrence Pride, co-founder and artistic director of Brévo Theatre. “This event celebrates the intersection of art and activism, offering space for voices to be seen, heard and honored.”
The festival is open to the public and welcomes artists, educators, students, community leaders, activists and newcomers of all ages—no prior performance experience is required. Whether you’re looking to build skills through workshops or simply enjoy an evening of bold, original theatre, Rooted & Resilient offers meaningful engagement for everyone.
Festival Schedule
The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony, followed by transformative workshops from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, including:
- The Art of Activism
Facilitated by the Center for Artistic Activism
What happens when creativity meets strategy? This engaging workshop explores how to make social and political change more impactful, innovative and joyful through the power of art. Participants will learn how to merge artistic expression with activist goals, gaining tools to craft campaigns, performances and messages that resonate and inspire.
Ideal for: Artists, organizers, educators and changemakers looking to sharpen their creative advocacy - Rewriting the Narrative: Storytelling Through the Lens of Social Justice
Facilitated by Dr. Marie Lovett
This interactive workshop invites participants to explore how storytelling—on stage, in the classroom and in everyday life—can become a powerful tool for social transformation. Reflective writing exercises and guided discussions will help participants become more informed, intentional and active in the work for equity and justice.
Ideal for: Writers, educators, students and community leaders interested in narrative-driven change. - Radical Movement: The Physical Journey to Change
This embodied workshop offers a space to explore how movement can reflect and process stories tied to identity, injustice, resilience and hope. Participants will engage in physical exercises and improvisational tasks that help translate internal experiences into external expression. No prior dance experience is required—just a willingness to move and connect.
Ideal for: Artists, organizers and individuals seeking deeper connection between body, truth and transformation - Wellness in the Work: Caring for Self While Changing the World
Justice work can be emotionally and physically demanding. This workshop provides space to pause, reflect and develop strategies for sustainable engagement. Through mindfulness, journaling, peer dialogue and simple grounding practices, participants will build a personal resilience toolkit for navigating burnout, setting boundaries and staying rooted in joy while doing meaningful work.
Ideal for: Advocates, artists, educators and anyone seeking balance and restoration in their work
12 to 2 p.m. attendees are invited to the Artists & Advocates Brunch Mixer, which includes a Special Panel Discussion with our esteemed guest judges.
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. live group chat and panel discussion.
3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. attendees are invited to browse the artwork, food trucks and visit community vendors.
6:30 p.m. The Rooted & Resilient National Monologue Competition begins featuring original performances by finalists and special guest appearances. Two winners will each receive $1,000 cash prizes, awarded by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Nicco Annan (Actor, P-Valley)
- Dr. Beth Turner (Creator of Black Masks Magazine)
- Corey Mitchell (Inaugural Tony Award Winner for Excellence in Theatre Education)
This event continues Brévo Theatre’s mission of amplifying marginalized voices and using the stage as a catalyst for dialogue, healing and collective action.
Full Day Pass is $15.00 per person with an additional $1 for each workshop. Tickets are available at brevotheatre.org.
For more information, including ticket prices, availability, and updates, please visit Brévo Theatre’s official website brevotheatre.org or email [email protected].
Supported by:
Broward Cultural Division | Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs
About Brévo Theatre
Brévo Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization founded by Zaylin Yates and Terrence Pride. With a mission to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire cultural dialogue, Brévo is known for presenting Broadway-caliber productions and original premieres that reflect and elevate diverse narratives. Signature works include the South Florida premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fat Ham in collaboration with Island City Stage and GableStage, the world premiere of Me & My Miami the musical—a locally inspired piece with original music and a cast of South Florida talent by Broadway’s Patdro Harris—and the annual holiday tradition Black Nativity. Past highlights also include The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Funnyhouse of a Negro by Adrienne Kennedy, and American Son by Christopher Demos-Brown, paired with the original talkback series 2 Shades of Black. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brévo produced the virtual dance series Protest Art, with the Adrienne Arsht Center commissioning “Hope for Tomorrow.” Brévo’s Young, Gifted & Brave conservatory, now in its fourth year, offers free pre-professional training to youth from underserved communities. Brévo Theatre is supported by organizations including the Warten Foundation, Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Community Foundation of Broward, The Miami Foundation, Broward Cultural Division, Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs, Florida Theatrical Association, and the Florida Department of State.
