March 25-26 Performance Takes Up Sexual Assault Awareness, Bystander Intervention
Contact: Carey Nason, (207) 581-2515
In observation of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Safe Campus Project at the University of Maine and graduate student Molly Schenck will offer an original theater and dance performance of “It’s Not That Simple” March 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater, Class of 1944 Hall.
The one-hour performance created by graduate student Molly Schenck challenges accepted myths about sexual assault and also motivate bystanders to take action. It is composed of vignettes depicting rape, cyber-stalking, voyeurism, and several other forms of sexual violence. More than 20 UMaine undergraduates, graduate students, alumni and staff from across the campus make up the cast and crew.
The performance also expresses the inner struggle of bystanders who observe sexually aggressive behavior on a regular basis. The show combines dance, theater and new media into a performance that reveals how this complex issue transcends individual groups. Its vignettes represent various scenarios and follow the journeys of those victimized throughout the show from the first incident through recovery and continuing through life as a survivor.
The performance also is part of a study on student advocacy through the performing arts; participation is voluntary.