Colby-Sawyer Presents One-Person Play Examining Issues of Diversity
NEW LONDON, N.H. – Colby-Sawyer will present “American Voices,” a one-person play which expands traditional views of diversity to include stories of men and women of different socio-economic backgrounds, physical abilities, religions, sexual orientations and races.
The play, sponsored by the Cultural Events Committee, will take place on Monday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in Wheeler Hall at the Ware Campus Center. The 65-minute production will present several scenarios, including a Latino man's perspective on immigration, an Arab American woman who explains her decision to "cover up," a deaf American who demonstrates that deafness is a culture and not a handicap, a gay American who struggles with Christianity and sexual orientation, and acts that present various other cultural issues. Admission is free.
“American Voices” has been presented at nearly 30 colleges throughout the country, bringing social awareness and entertainment together to provide different ways of understanding diversity. Marisela Martinez, director of Multicultural Services at the University of Georgia, explains how the play helped her better relate to her students. "Looking into the students eyes, you can see that their souls are asking, 'Do you see me? Do you know who I am?'" she says. "Being able to bring shows like 'American Voices' here allows me to answer that question with a confident, 'Yes! I see you. I hear you. You have a place at this university and in this world!'"
“American Voices” is part of a series of one-person plays presented by Will & Company, a non-profit theatre based in Los Angeles. Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Colin Cox, the theatre originally began as a troupe that was committed to making Shakespeare accessible to under-represented social communities. The company has expanded beyond its home in the heart of Hollywood, and now presents mainstage productions at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, national tours that present plays such as “American Voices,” and educational programs that include workshops, adaptations of classical works, and plays that examine contemporary issues.
-Jessica K. McLavey '10
Jessica K. McLavey is an English major and an intern in College Communications at Colby-Sawyer College.
Colby-Sawyer, founded in 1837, is a comprehensive liberal arts college located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Students learn in small classes through a select array of programs that integrate the liberal arts and sciences with professional experience.
