George Floyd Protests: Dobama Theatre Comments

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — After a weekend of protests in Cleveland and around the nation, Dobama Theatre weighed in on how the community should move forward.

"While we are unable to gather as a theatre community in this moment, we implore all citizens in our shared community to take action," the theatre company said in a statement. "Failure to act in moments such as these only upholds the systems that threaten the lives of our neighbors."

Protests around the nation were sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being arrested by Minneapolis police. Video of his arrest shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck, while Floyd repeatedly says he "cannot breathe." Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

The Ohio National Guard has been deployed to Cleveland and Columbus and both cities have implemented curfews to deter further protests.

"It is up to each one of us — no matter our background — to confront and dismantle racism and injustice wherever they exist," Dobama Theatre officials said in a statement.

More reading:

• 'We Must Do More,' Cleveland Browns Say After Ohio Protests
• George Floyd Protest: The View From Within An Ohio Demonstration