Look Both Ways: Beyond the Walk Home

You’ve seen the show. But the journey doesn’t end there! Enjoy these questions, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks.

Questions for the Journey Home

The trip home from school can be a unique, personal, or adventurous thing. What words come to mind when you think of your own trip home from school?
Kenzi and Simeon are such close friends — brothers, they say — because their own siblings are best friends. How have your siblings influenced your friends or your interests?
The assignment all of the students have been given is to consider if you were an object, what would you be? How would you answer this question?
Some of the characters in Look Both Ways are facing difficult circumstances when they get home — but people at school might not know what they’re dealing with. What’s one thing from your home life that no one at school knows about?

Jasmine has an invisible illness, called sickle cell anemia. She doesn’t look sick, but her body is attacking itself. What does this make you think about how you perceive people versus how they are actually feeling?
Throughout the play, we hear several times that “a school bus fell from the sky.” What do you think the author meant by including this?
What scene or character in Look Both Ways do you feel most connected with? Why?
When you first see the Low Cuts, what do you think they’re up to? How does that first impression change by the end?
The middle schoolers in Look Both Ways have a variety of adults in their lives, from their teachers to crossing guards and shop owners. Who are the familiar adult faces in your neighborhood?

The Author in His Own Words: Jason Reynolds

Theater for the New Generation:
Engaging Different Storytelling Tools

Look Both Ways: A Tale in Ten Blocks was adapted for the stage using projections, puppetry, dance, and even artificial intelligence, in addition to the traditional theatre design elements of lighting, sound, costume, props, and scenery.

Take a look at the images below to learn more about how this production of Look Both Ways was created.

The pigeon, Abuelo, and kimishibai puppets were created by prop designer and puppetmaster Amy Kellett specifically for this production.

The projections for Look Both Ways were crafted by Kelly Colburn and Dylan Uremovich, utilizing specialized AI software to create digital versions of the characters — like Benny, projected here.

Dance brings energy to several scenes, including the opening and Satchmo’s fear of dogs (pictured here). All choreography for Look Both Ways was developed by Tiffany Quinn.

And don’t forget to visit the Kennedy Center’s Educational Resources for
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks!