Jabari, played by 13-year-old Cameron A. Goode, encounters a young Barack Obama (Gavin Lawrence). Photo by Charles Osgood

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s production of JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM features Gavin Lawrence as Barack Obama, and in this clip as a 7-year-old he come’s up with the ubiquitous “Yes we can”.

JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM is a new production by award-winning playwright, Nambi E. Kelley and Directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Jabari is a young boy who is scared and confused by the turbulent, sometimes unjust world around him. A gifted artist, Jabari escapes to the Civil Rights era through his colorful paintings where he interacts with children from the past—including a young Barack Obama. Through May 1st at Chicago Children’s Theatre.