Image design by "Through the Storm" public relations team member Sydney Pugmire. Image courtesy of "Through the Storm."
An upcoming theater production titled "Through the Storm" will take a “critical look” at sexual abuse and the different stages of healing for survivors.
The 55-minute performances incorporate “original dance, poetry and scenes to examine sexual assault, abuse and the different stages and faces of healing after trauma,” according to the production’s Facebook page. “Through the Storm” features an 18-person cast and crew.
“This show is sometimes light-hearted, oftentimes heartbreaking, but always honest,” the event page said.
Arts and humanities senior Camille Thomas and theatre senior Molly Bennett are co-creators of "Through the Storm." Bennett said the idea for the production got its roots during a conversation with Thomas.
“I went to her and I was saying ‘This is upsetting. We’re feeling that maybe like this isn’t the safest environment on our college campus,’” Bennett said.
That's when they decided to address those issues using a platform they know best – the theater.
“It’s been an entirely collaborative process that we began discussion about at the end of November,” Bennett said.
Thomas said she hopes the performances will be a healing experience for the cast and crew and empower them and their audience to use their platforms – whether that's theater or a different avenue — to strive for change they want to see.
“It’s really hard to find those resources to assist students in that way when they’re feeling uncomfortable after traumatic experiences or issues of sexual assault," Bennett said.
Two performances of “Through the Storm” will take place Feb. 10 and Feb. 16 in the Snyder-Phillips Auditorium on campus. Doors open at 7:30 p.m and the shows begin at 8 p.m.
Editor's note: This story was updated at 4:54 p.m. to add quotes from Bennett.
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