ALUM WANDA WHITESIDE, EDD, USES THE STAGE FOR CROSS - SECTIONAL SOCIAL CHANGE

Wanda Whiteside, EdD (Leadership for Change, '23) is changing lives through storytelling.

As the Artistic Director of Live Garra Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, she tells stories culturally specific to the African American heritage, with broader social and ecological justice themes that are cross-sectional and universal.

“I’ve always been preparing for this moment: pursuing a degree of this caliber, seeking the brass ring, the pinnacle of higher learning,” she said. “I’ve been a student all my life, from the time I can remember and understood what learning meant and exploring and finding out about the world. My background is theatre, and as a young sixth grader, I played Dorothy in, “The Wizard of Oz”, and sang my heart out. As a freshman, I studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Today, I’m still singing and creating pictures on stage.”

Live Garra Theatre was created from a serendipitous moment on her mother’s birthday. Her mother had passed away, but Dr. Whiteside whispered a prayer to her when it appeared as though her theatre would have to close its doors. She flipped to her mother’s page, in her daily inspirational book, and the word “garra” titled the page. To the Brazilian people, it means “to hold on, to persevere, and to go the distance.” She then changed her theatre’s location and name.

“It’s always been inside me, like a fire that burns,” Dr. Whiteside said. “I have to continue to tell this story. To Live Garra and to never give up.”

Behind the curtain, Dr. Whiteside battled lung cancer twice – the second time was after she began her studies at Fielding. She had been in remission for almost five years when doctors discovered another tumor. She credits faculty member Jenny Edwards for encouraging her every step of the way.

Live Garra Theatre’s production of “Dry Bones,” written by Ivy Hawkins and the origin of Dr. Whiteside’s research, is a complex story about "returning citizens," their families, and the thriving social conditions which they must navigate. The production of “Soul II Soul: What Makes a Poet Breathe?” recognized Black History Month in 2023 with “ascending citizens” taking the stage. Dr. Whiteside also has performed “Nepantla Place,” which she created for her Fielding praxis work in the community. She played Effie, a homeless woman who survives on the streets with a distinct – while wise and mystic – story to tell.

Dr. Whiteside said she still has a multitude of stories to bring to the masses.

Live Garra’s 2023-2024 season, “North of the Drinking Gourd,” will encompass the creation of the new musical, “The Window King: A Brooklyn Village Songbook.”

“I want to reinforce the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion by addressing critical social-life issues in our society as a scholar-practitioner,” she said. “I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. So, I’ll continue to Live Garra and persevere, onward through the breach, into the clearing – esprit de corps!”