Life is knowing you're beautiful

when the world says you're ugly.

Life is fighting for what you believe in

when your family doesn't share your beliefs.

Life is being original

in a world of conformity.

Life is accepting that even heroes

make mistakes.

Life is making all the hardest decisions…

all alone.

For the students at Future High life is a challenge.

"[History of the Word] is about empowerment and human potential… You will leave the theater wanting to work harder to do whatever you do better."

                                                                     - David Pumo, nytheatre.com

History of the Word brings five high school students to the forefront of the American experience. Throughout one school day, each character questions the very choices in life that define them. These characters were developed around the lives and writings of five of New York 's most talented spoken word poets. Playwright Ben Snyder used the poetry to inspire a story that spans one day at Future High.

Hip Hop is a movement larger than any single play or song can capture. It is at the core of a culture dominated by new technologies, and corporate conglomerates. It beats in the hearts of young soldiers going off to war, and mothers fighting for a college scholarship.

Ignorance is out, words are in...

What's your story?

”We are all more alike than different, and each student has a voice that deserves to be heard.”   - Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj , Conceiver & Director

Maybe you're overweight, and while you secretly hate yourself in the mirror you wonder if you'll ever find someone to love. Maybe you've experienced a great loss, and feel the burden of a situation that is beyond your control. Go to war and get paid, or stay at home and speak with a different accent. It all comes down to your choices, after all it's your life. You're invited to Future High to witness a day in the life of Felice, Ali, Yolanda, Kayo, and Marissa as they each struggle with their lives and try to navigate a new world filled with hope, fear, and a constant need to be accepted.     

Find your voice and speak up, it may be the only way out.