Get Lit’s One-Night-Only Theatrical Celebration of LA’s Cultural Mosaic Inspires, Uplifts, and Reimagines Poetry

Los Angeles, CA — The storied hills of Hollywood came alive with the vibrancy and diversity of the city itself as The Ford Theater hosted a one-night-only performance of “If I Awaken in Los Angeles,” a groundbreaking new production presented by the renowned nonprofit Get Lit. The outdoor venue, famed for its panoramic views and artistic legacy, provided the perfect backdrop for a night that was as enchanting as it was transformative—a celebration of poetry, song, and dance fused into one unforgettable experience.

A Night Beneath the Hollywood Stars

The crisp evening air at The Ford carried a sense of anticipation as attendees gathered, eager to witness a show that promised to be nothing short of a love letter to the city of Los Angeles. “If I Awaken in Los Angeles” delivered on that promise and more, weaving together the sights, sounds, and souls of LA’s unique neighborhoods in a symphonic tapestry of performance art.

From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience was transported. Directed by Gina Belafonte, The production’s innovative blend of live performance and visual storytelling saw poetic actors and dancers bring their hearts to the stage, while a sweeping backdrop of film footage showcased the many faces and places of Los Angeles—South Central, Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Koreatown, Thaitown, Filipinotown, and the winding canyons, each illuminated in turn. The evocative visuals grounded the poetry in the lived reality of the city, anchoring words in images both familiar and freshly reimagined.

The choreography, by Kara Mack —at times subtle, at times explosive—mirrored the city itself: restless, hopeful, ever-changing. Dancers traced invisible lines between neighborhoods and histories, embodying the struggles and triumphs of Angelenos past and present.

A Fusion of Art Forms

This was not merely a poetry reading; it was a full-bodied theatrical compilation. Every element—movement, music, and meaning—was seamlessly integrated. The poetic delivery was accompanied by a condensed ensemble from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, whose live music lent each piece emotional weight and rhythmic nuance. On the opposite side of the stage, a sign language interpreter ensured that the beauty and power of the performance resonated across communities, making the arts accessible to all.

The choreography—at times subtle, at times explosive—mirrored the city itself: restless, hopeful, ever-changing. Dancers traced invisible lines between neighborhoods and histories, embodying the struggles and triumphs of Angelenos past and present.

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

A central focus of “If I Awaken in Los Angeles” was to shine a spotlight on the neighborhoods and communities that form the living heart of the city. South Central, Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Koreatown, Thaitown, Filipinotown, and the Canyons were all given center stage in this production, their stories told through the lived experience of performers who call these places home. Though the production celebrated a broad swath of LA’s cultural landscape, it is worth noting the absence of Armenian and Jewish communities in the representation—a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure all voices are heard in the city’s evolving narrative.

A World-Class Creative Team

Guiding the audience through this kaleidoscopic journey was none other than Sekou Andrews, Grammy-nominated artist renowned for his boundary-pushing poetic album. As the evening’s narrator and self-described “tour guide of Los Angeles,” Andrews brought charisma, warmth, and insight to the stage. His dynamic presence forged a direct connection with the audience, inviting them to see the city—and the art of poetry itself—with new eyes.

Andrews described the production as a “love letter to Los Angeles, highlighting the roots of Los Angeles communities.” He articulated the show’s central aim: to change the way audiences engage with poetry. Gone are the days, Andrews suggests, when poetry is relegated to the classroom, dissected and fenced off from real life. Instead, “If I Awaken in Los Angeles” seeks to awaken the audience’s passion for poetry by bringing it to life through performance—where words don’t just echo, but resonate.

This philosophy is deeply shared by Diane Luby Lane, founder of Get Lit and creative force behind the night’s production. Lane, whose career began as an actress, was herself transformed by hearing a poem performed, not just read. This revelatory experience ignited her passion and led her to establish Get Lit, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring student engagement in literacy and performance poetry.

Lane’s vision has since evolved into a vast movement, with Get Lit empowering young poets to find, claim, and connect with poems that resonate personally. Students are encouraged not just to memorize, but to internalize and perform these works, deepening their connection to literary art and to their own sense of voice. This innovative curriculum has fostered a vibrant community of emerging poets in Los Angeles and beyond.

Collaboration Across Generations and Genres

Gina Belafonte, director and board member of Get Lit, has been instrumental in expanding the foundation’s reach. Her aim—to connect with as many age groups as possible—was realized in this production’s intergenerational cast and audience. The collaboration between Get Lit and SANKOFA.org, another prominent LA theater collective, brought additional creative depth and theatrical expertise to “If I Awaken in Los Angeles,” demonstrating the power of partnership in the arts.

Throughout the evening, the performers—both poets and musicians—spoke of drawing from their own life experiences growing up in Los Angeles. Their stories, delivered with raw honesty and artistic finesse, underscored the city’s complexity and resilience. Every note sung, verse spoken, and step danced was steeped in personal history and collective memory.

Reimagining the Role of Poetry

“If I Awaken in Los Angeles” is more than just a show—it is a movement. It challenges long-held notions of what poetry is and what it can be, advocating for poetry as performance art: visceral, electrifying, and immediate. The hope, echoed by both Sekou Andrews and Diane Luby Lane, is that audiences of all backgrounds and ages will fall in love with poetry anew, seeing it not as an academic exercise, but as a living, breathing force for connection and change.

Looking Forward

The overwhelming response to “If I Awaken in Los Angeles” at The Ford Theater attests to the enduring power of the arts to unite communities, spark dialogue, and inspire transformation. As Get Lit continues its mission to bring poetry into classrooms, theatres, and everyday lives, the legacy of this performance will no doubt echo across Los Angeles for years to come.

For more information about Get Lit, their upcoming programs, and how to get involved, visit their website or follow their social media channels. Join the movement—awaken to poetry, awaken to Los Angeles.

Cast Members

Gina Belafonte (Director and Board Member), Diane Luby Lane (Founder of Get Lit and Producer/Creative Director), Brandon XIV (Media Direction), Dante Basco (DA Poetry Lounge Co-Founder, Actor), Jason Chu (Rapper and Activist), Sekou Andrews (Grammy Nominated Artist), Samantha Rios (Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate), Monique Mitchell, Luis Rodriguez, Philip (Tru) Bucknor, Jasmine Minchez, Lev Allan-Blitz, Ariana Lee, and Liv Rion.

Bionic Buzz contributing writer Melissa De Vore with Jacqueline M. Lewis