The Code Switch

To switch, or not to switch? Let’s ask the question. Codeswitching. Wouldn’t it be great for us to not have to? What about when you need to? In 2023 America? Eventually you’re gonna flip that switch–some of us gotta work. Sometimes we do it within our own families. Some people switch it up in their circles just because.

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From the playwright-director, Shakill Jamal: 

“We all know about codeswitching. It's not a new concept. Hearing our parents talk with the ‘white’ voice when we know they're at work, seeing our friends act a fool because they're afraid of showing who they really are, young people acting old, old people acting young, the circumstances behind the codeswitch are endless. 
This voluntary transformation works like camouflage to help us fit in wherever we feel like we don't.  So many people codeswitch to get ahead, others do it to find common ground, some people codeswitch just to make it to the end of the day. Surprise! It's not just you who does it, but to an extent, each  and every one of us has had to put on a mask, has had to codeswitch because for whatever reason we felt like who we already were wasn't enough. 
Fact is, despite what society says, we are enough. This show asks the question when we all know the answer, but ask yourself again: if you're enough as a person, why should anyone codeswitch at all? Explored through humor, trauma, and two extra helpings of cynicism we invite you to come on down and get to know your switch.”