Riot: The Beat of Freddie Gray is a powerful and engaging solo performance taking the audience on a journey through the life and memories of Freddie Gray, told from the perspective of two characters: Freddie Gray and Ty, a middle school student who witnessed Freddie’s murder.

Playwright/Performer: Ty’Ree Hope Davis
Producer and Director: Farah Lawal Harris
Production Manager: Keta Newborn

Synopsis:
Riot: The Beat of Freddie Gray follows the story of Freddie Gray, a young Black man murdered by Baltimore police officers in 2015, and Ty, a middle school student who witnessed Freddie’s death. Freddie, unaware that he is dead, attempts to write a hit song, but struggles to recall a specific beat he knows is crucial. This leads Freddie and Ty to delve into the past, piecing together memories and flashbacks leading to Freddie’s wrongful arrest, the brutality he endured, and the injustice that ultimately led to his death. The play explores themes of memory, resilience, and the fight for justice, culminating in a powerful realization that Freddie’s heartbeat lives on in the collective spirit of those who continue to fight for change.