Original Raise Your Voice show uses Theatre of the Oppressed methods
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University theatre students, working with the innovative theatre company Shifting Forms, will present "(un)welcome: an exploration of sexual violence and self-empowerment" at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in York Arena in the Gilmore Theatre Complex.
This premier production was specifically created for a WMU and Kalamazoo audience and will be performed as part of the Raise Your Voice series.
About the show
The production is open to the general public, but is particularly aimed at first- and second-year college students who, during the first weeks of the semester, are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence on college campuses. "un(welcome)," created in the style of Theatre of the Oppressed, will engage audience members in an active learning experience regarding sexual harassment aimed at empowering self-defense and the defense of others.
The Theatre of the Oppressed describes theatrical forms pioneered by its founder, Brazilian director, writer and politician Augusta Boal. Boal's method, which has been adopted around the world, seeks to transform audiences into active participants in the theatrical experience, promoting social and political change.
Raise Your Voice Series
The Raise Your Voice series is intended to respond to the groundswell of voices currently advocating for a safe and supportive environment in which to study, work, live and love. The series addresses issues of street and workplace sexual harassment, rape on college campuses, and ineffectual responses to marginalization, bullying and abuse.
The series began in January and arose from discussions at the WMU Lee Honors College about issues of violence and hostility against women that had surfaced in previous months. Lee Honors College Dean Carla Koretsky and Jane Baas, honors college associate dean, formed a committee to create the yearlong speaker and event series.
For more information, visit wmich.edu/honors/events/raise-your-voice.
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