Searching for Justice

Reflecting on Searching for Justice at Steppenwolf Theatre

King Moosa and Toussaint Daniels during performance at Stepponwolf Theatre. January 16, 2024 Credit:tonestockenstromphotoinc

On January 16, 2025, I had the profound honor of performing in Searching for Justice at Chicago’s esteemed Steppenwolf Theatre. This production, brought to life by the Mud Theatre Project in collaboration with the Restore Justice Foundation, delved deep into the complexities of our criminal justice system, particularly its impact on youth, families and our society as a whole.

A Personal Journey

The narrative of Searching for Justice is not just a story it’s a lived experience for many of us involved. The play centers on five characters who, through spoken word and compelling statistics, explore themes of justice, violence, and the juvenile prison system. As someone who has personally navigated these challenges, portraying these stories was both a responsibility and a cathartic experience being one of the kids who was tried as an adult in my own case playing the advocate for change was dear to my heart.

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

Our cast comprised individuals directly affected by the prison system. We started doing these Performances in Dixon correctional center 6 years ago today under the name Dixon writing team. So to

have the same cast and writers for this collective effort was a dream come true. The authenticity resonated deeply with our audience, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective that traditional performances often lack. The energy in the room was cosmic, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive the constant roar of amazement and inspiration was intoxicating.

A Sold-Out Success

The premiere was met with a full house, underscoring the communities hunger for genuine narratives that shed light on pressing societal issues. The support from the audience and the broader criminal Justice community was both humbling and inspiring.

Looking Ahead

While the Steppenwolf performance was a significant milestone, it marks just the beginning of our journey. We aim to bring Searching for Justice to various communities, fostering dialogue and advocating for meaningful reform in our justice system.

Gratitude

I extend my deepest gratitude to my fellow cast members, the Mud Theatre Project, the Restore Justice Foundation, and everyone who attended and supported our performance. Together, we can drive change and continue the conversation about justice and reform.

For those interested in supporting our mission or learning more about upcoming performances, please visit the Restore Justice website.