About

The Story

The Edge of Town is the journey of a Black male as he navigates this world and searches for truth and hope by reflecting on the past, present and future. His journey includes walks through downtown Wyoming and along Oak Street and a visit to the City building, which once housed the African American School.

What is a Pod Play?
The Pod Plays Project makes creative use of technology, storytelling and outdoor space. Playwrights were asked to choose a unique location in Cincinnati and write an original audio play that makes use of their chosen setting. When listeners tune in to the audio file and begin the play, they’ll be guided through the location as the story unfolds, interacting with the same views, spots and markers as the characters in the story they’re streaming. Pod Plays are free to the public, and can be listened to at any time.

Advisory
Recommended for ages 13 and up. While a powerful story of the search for truth and hope, the story also contains themes of racism, injustice and trauma related to the Black experience.

Location
This Pod Play is designed to be listened to while walking through Downtown Wyoming, starting at the flagpole in front of Wyoming Middle School at 17 Wyoming Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45215.

 Here is an image of the starting location:

Before you Arrive

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk for approximately 45-50 minutes.

• The majority of The Edge of Town takes place in settings that are accessible, though you may encounter rough or uneven terrain. We invite our audiences who have challenges with walking to utilize the paths that make them most comfortable. The railroad tracks may not be accessible to all audience members. Listeners may choose to observe the fountain from the other side of the tracks if they cannot travel over them.  

Where to Begin

• The story is best experienced before 3 p.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid the bulk of train activity as part of the play takes place across the train tracks. If stopped by a train passing, pause the recording and resume once the train has passed.

• Press play at the flagpole directly in front of Wyoming Middle School. The story will start by taking you straight down the street towards downtown. You will travel towards the green bench and away from the coffee shop.

• The play will conclude directly across the street facing the flagpole at the middle school, effectively returning to where the journey began, but please remain across the street for the full effect of the finale.

• Once you press play, you'll hear an introduction, and your narrator will guide you to the next location.

Route Map

*You can print the full map to follow along by clicking the button above. 

Resources

History of Wyoming, OH

UC Racial Trauma Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with racial trauma, visit mhanational.org/racial-trauma or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for help finding mental health resources.

Sponsors