Meet Daron Stewart, a recent addition to our teaching artist team!
We're excited to introduce Daron Stewart, a recent addition to our teaching artist team! He performs a one-man show called The Soul of Langston, which dives into some big "what if" questions—like, what would Hip-Hop look like if Langston Hughes hadn’t chosen poetry? Or how different would the Civil Rights movement be if the Harlem Renaissance had never taken off? The Soul of Langston explores these ideas through an engaging, multimedia musical that honors the legacy of Langston Hughes, the poet, playwright, and civil-rights activist.
During Daron’s recent visit to Alta Loma Middle School in South San Francisco, students got to experience his performance and were invited to share their thoughts and questions. Here’s a look at what some of them had to say and how Daron responded:
Mira: I learned about Langston Hughes and his story. What inspired you to share his story with others
I was inspired by Hughes’ influence on the Civil Rights Movement and modern Hip-Hop culture and wanted to bridge a pathway, show a connection between The Harlem Renaissance and modern artistic expression.
Landon: Why did you choose to portray Langston Hughes?
Langston Hughes was a favorite poet of mine since middle school. My artistic director suggested I create a one-person show and thought Langston Hughes would be a good historical figure to try and bring to life in a stage play.
Abby: What made you want to be a performer?
The freedom it provides and the joy it brings from having the ability to bring people together, and provoke thought and reflection.
Eduarda: I learned to follow my dreams, even if they’re different from everyone else’s – and I want to know how did you get started?
I was introduced to the Arts by my older brother and was bitten by the acting bug after seeing a play he directed. I got my start in acting after hearing an audition over the radio for the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and landed the role of ‘George Murchison’.
Josiah: My favorite part was hearing about his life story and the obstacles he overcame because of his race. I learned that skin color shouldn’t affect how people are treated.
“Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people—the beauty within themselves.” -Langston Hughes
It’s clear that Daron’s performance made a big impact on these students!
Daron, we’re curious—how do the lessons and skills you teach through your art apply to students' everyday lives outside of school?
Try is not a fail…Dream BIGGER!
And lastly, if you could describe your performances in just three words, what would they be?
Inspiring. Memorable. Educational.
