TELLING: Adult Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Step Into the Light - Mar 31, Apr 1-2
Surviving child sex abuse is a secret rarely shared. In the Seattle production of "TELLING," seven courageous adults step into the light and reveal their secrets to the audience. Their true stories are woven together to create a tapestry of pain, secrecy, and ultimately, hope.
Using visual images, original music, movement, dance, and poetry, these brave residents of the Pacific Northwest share their personal stories of abuse by brothers, fathers, mothers, teachers, priests, babysitters, strangers and "friends" of the family. With courage, some trepidation and even humor, they step onto the stage to recount experiences that changed their lives dramatically. Their stories are a road map to healing and hope for other survivors.
"TELLING" strives to help everyone in the community step into their own light of awareness and hope. Proceeds will benefit local organizations that work to prevent abuse, and serve survivors through counseling and advocacy. ______
DONATIONS WELCOME! Go to the "GET TICKETS" box at the top of this page. THANK YOU.
Price should never be an object to attend a TELLING event. Should you have ideas about who to bring, but not the budget to bring them, let us know and we will do our best to provide a complimentary ticket. Send an email to: kristen@memocomm.com ______
Written by: Margie Boule' Directed by: Jamie M. Rea Sound design by: Gordon Romei Performed by: Elise Bradley, Das Chapin, Cristi Dillon, Digene Farrar, Carolee Horning, Gabriel Mikalson, Gordon Romei
PLEASE NOTE: The content of "TELLING" is powerful but not graphic. Adult issues are addressed on stage. Recommended for ages 13 and older.
The performance runs approximately 90 min without an intermission.
There will be a very short break, followed immediately by a 30-minute Q&A with the performers, director Jamie M. Rea, Executive Director of Committee for Children, Joan Cole Duffell, and Executive Director of OAASIS, Kerry Naughton. ______
"TELLING" is part of the Secret Survivors National Initiative developed by Ping Chong + Company, NYC, to use theater to raise awareness around child sexual abuse. Modeled after the original Secret Survivors production, social service organizations around the country participated in arts and activism training with Ping Chong + Company, and are now creating their own theatrical productions and projects, featuring the voices and experiences of survivors of child sexual abuse. These productions will become tools for community-based dialogue and galvanize action as part of the national movement to end child sexual abuse.
"I've been lucky enough in my career to be part of some incredible projects that transcend theatre and entertainment. Occasionally, you get the chance to give voice to the voiceless and stand on stage to testify that these stories matter. TELLING is just such a project, and I am so happy to see such important work being done and wish them all the best. Its theatre that truly makes a difference."
--Mark Fossen, freelance theatrical director, actor, playwright, Salt Lake City Utah
"If you attend TELLING, you are in for a wonderfully powerful experience - I have been to over 1,000 plays, including at least 300 in NYC when I minored in drama. It is rare that you witness something that is so well-performed. It is even less frequent that you experience the embrace of a theatrical production that touches your heart, mind and spirit. It is a real gift, however, to be in the presence of a life-changing event. This is one of those occasions. Please tell your friends!"
