‘What’s It All About’ dramatic dialogues coming to UND campus Aug. 28 & 29
An interactive program on diversity, substance abuse and sexual assault called "What's It All About," is coming to the University of North Dakota campus on Tuesday, Aug. 28 and Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m., in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
The program presented by GTC Dramatic Dialogues and High Impact Training consists of short theatrical scenes taken directly from campus life that show behavior related to the topics of diversity, substance abuse and sexual assault. These scenes grab students both emotionally and intellectually, making them want to talk about what they have seen. Following each scene there is a moderated discussion or "talk-back" between the actors and the audience.
"These are important topics in our students' lives and our goal is to give them the tools to start a conversation with peers, roommates or family members," said Judy Sargent, director of residence services. "We know that using theater to stimulate their minds is an effective way for students to learn and define their own choices."
During the discussion the actors remain in character, allowing students to question or confront them about their behavior. Through questioning, the audience uncovers the hidden assumptions motivating the characters' actions. The result is an entertaining, energetic and informative debate in which students are led to examine their own behavior and consider what they can do to create the kind of world in which they want to live.
The program is free, open to the campus community and is sponsored by departments in the Division of Student Affairs including, Residence Services, Dean of Students, Health & Wellness, Women's Center and Multicultural Student Services. The same program will be performed each night.
GTC Dramatic Dialogues has been offering an innovative approach to dealing with important campus issues since 1995. Their style of "intervention theater" combines short dramatic scenes, moderated talk-backs and real-life scenarios, all of which make GTC Dramatic Dialogues effective in cutting through the rhetoric to get at real issues. GTC Dramatic Dialogues was born from the desire to use theater as a tool to allow audience participants the opportunity to express their own issues, ideas and suggestions.
Contacts:
Judy Sargent, Director of Residence Services, 701.777.3775, judy.sargent @email.und.edu
Michael Agnew, GTC Dramatic Dialogues and High Impact Training, 612.724.4514
