by Raymond O. Caldwell & Adrienne Torf
directed by Raymond O. Caldwell
starring America Covarrubias, Naseem Etemad, Kita Grayson,
Mackenzie Mondag, Savannah Schoenecker, Janet Song
Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience ignites our 35th season with a bold, embodied tribute to the life and legacy of June Jordan—visionary poet, truth-teller, and relentless advocate for justice. Fusing spoken word, music, and movement, this electrifying performance channels Jordan’s uncompromising voice and her belief that poetry is not a luxury, but a call to action.
Featuring the dynamic performance and music of renowned composer Adrienne Torf, alongside works by John Adams and Sweet Honey in the Rock, Poetry for the People is bold, immersive, and impossible to ignore. It sharpens our sense of individual responsibility and reminds us why language—and art—still matter.
June is the one who can show the way" - Angela Y. Davis
PRESS
KPFK's "The Out Agenda" Interview with Raymond O. Caldwell
L.A. Stage Insider Announcement
The Fountain Theatre introduces the Living Ticket Model
We know that NOW is not the moment where our community can spare money on a theatre ticket. We know that you are using every spare dollar to support the causes that need us right now.
And we also know that, now more than ever, we need each other. We need to connect, to instigate, to activate, to heal, to imagine, to hope. Together.
In the spirit of radical inclusion and June Jordan’s belief that art is not a luxury but essential, the Fountain Theatre will shift to a living ticket model.
We tell you what the production costs, you tell us what you can afford by naming your own ticket price. That’s it.
We welcome every single one of you who wants to immerse yourself in the words + world of June Jordan, who wants to gather in space to architect a more just future, who wants to do something about the rage or despair troubling your soul . . . we are here and we made this show for you.
We also welcome you and other co-conspirators to use this space for further activation, connection to resources, and community gathering. Let’s go.
Box Office:
323-663-1525
boxoffice@fountaintheatre.com
Show Days: 11 - Curtain
Dark Days: 11 - 6pm
Closed Tuesday
Preview: Jan 27 - 29, 8pm
VIP Open: Jan 30 | Press: Jan 31, 8pm.
Close: Sun Mar 29, 8pm
Run: Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm | Sundays 2pm | Pay What You Want Mondays, 8pm
🖤 Create a partnership or arrange a group ticket: contact resheda@fountaintheatre.com
THE MATH:
$94,094.40 - the cost of producing Poetry For The People: The June Jordan Experience
$2851.35 - cost per performance
$50.02 - how much we’d need to charge for a ticket in order to break even . . . assuming at least 75% occupancy for every performance
In the spirit of community trust, we invite you to name your price with the belief that those who can do more, will do more so that all may benefit and thrive.
Every Saturday performance (excluding opening and closing weekends) is Poet Spotlight Night at Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience. Each evening features a spotlight poet who opens the show with an original poem, amplifying their voice and artistry. Following the performance, the featured poet welcomes audience members into the café for a post-show gathering centered on poetry written during the show. This time creates space for sharing, listening, and collective reflection for those who choose to participate. Come for the play, stay for the poetry, and feel the exchange unfold.
THE BERKELEY TOUR
Wanna see this show in NorCal? This performance will be the only one outside of Los Angeles this year. Premium tickets include admission to a postshow reception with the cast and sponsors.
Special Events
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Creative Team
sound design Andrea "Slim" Allmond
costume design Wendell Carmichael
media design Deja Collins
scenic & lighting design Matt McCarren
production stage manager Ashley Weaver