Ali Stroker at Shanti Bhavan!

Our Shanti Bhavan choirs had the opportunity to work with Tony Award winner Ali Stroker. Ali won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as 'Ado Annie' in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts, disabled or not, is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”

Ali captivated the choir while sharing vivid stories of pivotal moments in her life and reminded us that we can craft the stories of our life that define us. While reflecting on the workshop one student said, “I felt so moved by her stories. I left feeling so inspired and empowered to carefully craft my own.” Being that many of them come from difficult backgrounds, we are excited to allow them space and inspiration to craft stories of pivotal moments in the stundets lives. The choir was glowing with pride after Ali applauded the personalities she could see shining out while singing.

We are looking forward to having Ali back again soon! We cannot wait to see what the students create.