A series of illustrations brought the script of For Bo to life along with voiceover talent from theatre majors. Brian Dickson Jr., a senior art education major, was one of dozens of artists who created the play’s artwork based on themes explored in the script, including racial bias and the court of public opinion. Written by Ayvaunn Penn, instructor of theatre, the play follows a loosely fictional narrative of the issues and impact of Botham Jean’s 2018 death in Dallas at the hands of an off-duty police officer. For Bo and Penn’s #ForBoInitiative are intended to promote the arts as a catalyst for positive social change. The initiative provides organizations with guidance and tools to host their own productions or readings of For Bo paired with community discussions to address racial bias, racial injustice and police brutality.

— Heather Hughston

Behind the Scenes

Ayvaunn Penn, playwright and instructor of theatre, talks about the creative approach to For Bo: A Play Inspired by the Murder of Botham Jean by Officer Amber Guyger.

Footage and images from For Bo courtesy of Ayvaunn Penn

Video by Trisha Spence