CCRI teams with renowned poet for powerful narrative on social issues
CCRI teams with renowned poet for powerful narrative on social issues
March 31, 2021
Answering the not-so-obvious questions many are afraid to ask about race and racism,
renowned Providence poet Christopher Johnson and The Wilbury Theatre Group join the
Community College of Rhode Island Players next week to perform what Johnson calls
his most powerful piece yet, Invoice for Emotional Labor.
Recorded at CCRI’s Bobby Hackett Theatre, Invoice for Emotional Labor streams Thursday, April 8–Saturday, April 10 via ShowTix4U with 7:30 pm performances
on Thursday and Friday followed by a 5:30 pm Saturday finale. Saturday’s presentation
also includes a live virtual panel and post-show talkback hosted by Johnson and featuring
CCRI administrators and members of The Wilbury Group, where Johnson is a Playwright-in-Residence.
“Christopher Johnson is a remarkable artist and an important voice in our community,”
said CCRI Theater Program Coordinator Ted Clement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to
collaborate with The Wilbury Theatre Group in presenting his work, and we are so grateful
Christopher is sharing it with the CCRI community.”
Invoice for Emotional Labor is a multi-discipline solo performance written and produced by Johnson, an internationally-known
Poetry Slam champion and former Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) playwright
fellow renowned for his ability to weave spoken word, poetry, and music into a harmonizing
blend that captivates audiences while triggering important conversations on social
issues such as race, incarceration, and mental illness.
In Invoice for Emotional Labor, Johnson relives his personal experiences as an African American growing up in New
Jersey and living in Providence, educating and inviting viewers into the process by
challenging them to rethink preconceived notions on racial etiquette, unconscious
bias, and cultural differences through his own unique lens.
Johnson recorded Invoice for Emotional Labor in 16 hours over the span of two days, comparing the process to that of an actor or
actress “getting into character” for a specific role, the difference being his performance
is based on reality, forcing Johnson to relive uncomfortable, traumatizing moments
during the production.
“Typically, the writing and performance is therapeutic,” Johnson said, “but performing
Invoice for Emotional Labor reopened wounds and brought up some trauma I didn’t know I was experiencing.
“That is the first time that’s ever happened to me. As I went through these moments
and performed, I realized then how big this really is. The entire performance is a
personal experience, and everything I write about is real. In my position as an artist,
I will always be teaching people. Every artist has a purpose, and if you are going
to get on stage and people are going to give you their attention, you better have
something to say.”
Johnson wrote Invoice for Emotional Labor more than a year ago as an “interactive piece” and performed it virtually for the
first time in March of 2020 as a live workshop production for The Wilbury Group. Since
then, notes Wilbury Group Artistic Director Josh Short, “the piece has evolved so
much and recent events have informed the work in such a beautiful and powerful way.”
“We’re thrilled to combine our longstanding collaboration with Christopher with our
new collaborators at CCRI and sharing Invoice for Emotional Labor with their community and beyond,” Short said.
The April 10 post-show talkback hosted by Johnson also includes Clement; Short; CCRI
Director of Human Resources and Institutional Equity Sybil Bailey; CCRI Dean of Students
Michael Cunningham; CCRI Professor of English Eileen James; and CCRI alumnus, guest
director, and Achievement First Mayoral Academy Instructor Ronald Lewis.
Since teaming with The Wilbury Group in 2017, Johnson has produced several original
works, including Invisible UpSouth and New and Dangerous Ideas, and performed in Decameron, Providence, an outdoor series presented at Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center. Johnson is one
of 17 resident artists at The Wilbury Group, which, since its inception in 2010, has
provided a platform for many of the area’s groundbreaking artists to engage in both
original works and reimagined classics.
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
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A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
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May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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May 06, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
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April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
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April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
March 31, 2021
