The City of Savannah’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) will present the premiere of Winsphere Jones’ CHECKMATE, a new stage play presented by the Youth Artists of Savannah United (YASU) youth theater program.

As part of the 100 Days of Summer initiative, YASU is a groundbreaking new 7-week program under ONSE designed to teach and motivate Savannah youth to find their voices through theater.

YASU aims to bring youth together from different schools and neighborhoods to form a united theatre collective empowering them to take responsibility through artistic expression. The program provides a safe space to build confidence, discuss difficult issues, and spark dialogue that can lead to meaningful change.

CHECKMATE is being premiered as the capstone project for participants in the program’s inaugural year. The premiere run will be staged inside the Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 3 p.m.

The play opens on a teen house party but quickly takes a dark turn when young Aaron Dame is found dead. Detectives John Getz and Raymond Morton work to unravel a tangled web of secrets around eight suspected teens. As their investigation deepens, they stumble upon clues that reopen a cold case from years before.

“This play isn’t just a whodunit, it’s a conversation starter,” playwright and director Winsphere Jones said. “The cast is made up of young people who are telling stories that reflect their realities. This is theater with purpose.”
Following the performance, audience members are invited to stay for a brief discussion on the impact of the YASU program and the voices of youth shaping a safer and stronger Savannah. The play is free and open to the public. Due to seating capacity, attendees must register for tickets at checkmatetheplay.eventbrite.com.

What: CHECKMATE
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m. doors, 3 p.m. curtain
Where: Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.
Ticket Registration: checkmatetheplay.eventbrite.com