What’s Happening?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Summer L. Williams, co-founder and associate director of Company One Theatre, who also serves our local youth as a Dean of Students at Brookline High School. Recognized recently as true public health champions at our local Public Health Awards Ceremony, Summer and Company One Theatre are redefining how we think about community well-being.
Public health extends far beyond clinical settings. Social connection, creative expression, and equitable representation in local arts are essential drivers of neighborhood resilience and individual health. Chris and Summer explore the intersection of theater, equity, and mental health, highlighting how public art builds empathy, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging. They also preview Company One Theatre’s highly anticipated summer world premiere, A New Era, written by Miranda Austin ADEkoje and directed by Summer L. Williams.
Key Takeaways from Summer L. Williams:
Art is a Determinant of Health: Public art and community spaces create opportunities for social gathering, shared processing, and mutual support, directly addressing social isolation and strengthening neighborhood well-being.
Storytelling Drives Health Equity: Theater allows communities to safely address complex social conversations. Uplifting diverse voices on stage builds emotional safety, trust, and shared understanding across neighborhoods.
School and Community Connections: Connecting high school leadership with community arts builds social-emotional resilience in youth, empowering the next generation to find their voice and feel seen.
Public Health Champions in Unexpected Places: Effective public health strategy relies also on non-traditional health leaders, educators, and artists who build equity and social cohesion from the ground up.
Local Impact Through A New Era: Local cultural events, like the upcoming world premiere written by Miranda Austin ADEkoje, serve as vital tools for civic engagement, dynamic conversations, and collective community growth.
Resources & Local Support:
Company One Theatre: Explore upcoming performances, community programming, and tickets for A New Era at http://www.companyone.org.
A New Era at https://companyone.org/a-new-era/
July 18 – August 8, 2026
The Strand Theatre
All tickets are Pay-What-You-Want ($0 minimum)
Content Advisory: This production is set in 1895 and characters discuss racially motivated hate speech, violence, and lynching.
Seating is general admission.
This performance runs approximately 2 hours including one 10-minute intermission.
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Disclaimer:
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