Rise: Songs of Resistance & Resilience

BLUEBARN Theatre Presents:

Rise: Songs of Resistance & Resilience

Written and Directed by Jill Anderson

Music Direction by Jesse Wohlman
September 24th- October 18th, 2026

Jimi Hendrix said, "Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." Through spirituals of strength to the anthems of the suffragettes and unions, gay and civil rights movements, Music has long rung out with passion to express the deepest of human needs -for freedom, dignity, hope and BELONGING. From the fields of bondage to movements for justice, these songs have carried the weight of the sorrow and the fire of resistance. This outdoor evening of song honors that legacy-with voices raised in resilience and the unyielding rhythm of freedom. We imagine – we sing out - as we celebrate the power of our collective spirit and together – we RISE

September 24th-October 18th, 2026

Thurs-Sat @ 7:30pm | Sun Oct 4th & 11th @ 2:00p | Sun Oct 18th @ 6:00p

ASL Performance: October 16th

Relaxed Performance: October 1st

Audio Description available upon request.

General Admission ($47), Educator | Healthcare | Military ($42), BLUCREW ($30) purchase tickets here or by calling the box office Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm @ 402-345-1576

100% of Humanitix's profits from booking fees are dedicated to charities providing life's essentials, like education, to humans worldwide. If you want to save some money on booking fees, call our box office or stop by in person. A 3% surcharge will be added for credit card payments by phone or in person, no additional fees if paid by debit card. No Refunds Available.

Rating 16+

No Refunds Available. Call the Box Office for exchange options.

In celebration of Dolly Parton's life working 9 to 5 and beyond to end childhood illiteracy, BLUEBARN will donate a portion of all ticket sales for our 9/25 (9-2-5) performance of Rise to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Since its founding in 1995, the Imagination Library has gifted over 200 million books, with a staggering 14% of American children 5 and under receiving a book in the mail each month. Dolly's legacy proves that when we IMAGINE together we can change the world, one book at a time.

Use Promo Code DOLLY925 for $5 off general admission tickets for the 9/25 performance only.

Offer not valid for existing or transfer tickets.

Rich Juro

Friends of the BLUEBARN

Devin Fox & Rob Block

Ron & Chris Blumkin

Rise will be presented outside on the BLUEBARN Porchyard. When you reserve tickets, you will be asked to select a seating section.

On the seating selection page you will see two green boxes:

Select your seating section for each ticket in your order. The section you have chosen will change to orange. You can also see the section you've chosen in the column on the right side of your screen.

https://events.humanitix.com/rise_at_bluebarn/accessibility

For a full listing of access services click here: Access – BLUEBARN Theatre

All BLUEBARN Engagement Events are free to attend and open to the public.

For full engagement info click here: https://bluebarn.org/engagement/

Afterwords: Post-Show Chat with Cast & Creatives

Saturday, September 26 | Directly following the show

Location: BLUEBARN Theatre Porchyard

Moderator: Carrie Nath

Engage with Rise! Creator, Jill Anderson, and members of the cast to find out just what it takes to amass over 40 songs over a 150-year timespan of resistance and resilience. How do you decide which songs to share? What songs did not make it in and why? Imagine what it takes to embrace history and manifest a brighter future.

VOICES UNITED – IMAGINING ACCESS

SUNDAY Oct 4 | 1:20pm

Location: BLUEBARN Lobby

Join the community choir of Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands and Gotta be Me in this pre-show concert celebrating those who went before to those who fight now to make this world one. Imagine a world where all voices have equal access to the skies. Where many voices lift joy high in the air on the wings of inclusion and acceptance. A world where words speak to power and truth and the right to be here. In this place. Side by side in equality.

Afterwords: Rights and Resistance

Sunday, October 11 | Directly following the show

Location: BLUEBARN Theatre Porchyard

Moderator: Carrie Nath

Resistance – the act of fighting against an opposing force. Resilience – the ability to bounce back quickly from tough times, stress, or change. Opposing forces that make a person stronger, that make a community more cohesive. If we Rise. Join members of Nebraska’s ACLU and two individual forces of nature as they immerse us all into a conversation designed to celebrate the power of our collective spirit. Together.

Panelists

Mindy Rush Chipman, Executive Director, Nebraska ACLU

Yvonne Kaburu, Donor and Community Engagement Strategist, Nebraska ACLU

Karma LiLoLa, Omaha-based performance artist, storyteller, deviser, and community builder

Sarah Rowe, Multidisciplinary visual artist and community collaborator; Lakota, enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska 

BOOKS IN THE BLUE

The Stories Behind the Voice

Book selection curated by Shelly Mutum of Next Chapter Books and Carrie Nath at BLUEBARN

 The Next Chapter

Location: BLUEBARN Lobby

From the stage to the page. You have heard their voices raised high. But what is the story behind the lyrics? Our Next Chapter pop-up bookstore features tales of some of the most resilient, brave, and beautiful souls that have lifted us out of times of trouble. Have carried us to the other shore. Have filled us with the joy of fully realized freedom. Get their story – celebrate their wisdom – and add it to the story of your own resilience.

 Payment accepted: Venmo

ART IN THE BLUE – Voices Lifted

Art Exhibit | Curated by Joshua Brown

Location: BLUEBARN Lobby | During the run of Rise! Songs of Resistance and Resilience

Featuring Visual Work by: Pamela Conyers-Hinson, Alex Jochim, and Anthony Peña.

This exhibition celebrates the ongoing process of liberation through political art and photos, paintings, and sculptures of people in their power.

Pre-Show Art Chat with Curator Joshua Brown and Artists

Saturday, October 10| 6:50pm

All art proceeds go directly to participating artists. The exhibit will be open to the public 45 minutes before each show and during box office hours Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm in the BLUEBARN Lobby.