Apr 17-23

Story of a Rape Survivor

Speaker A Long Walk Home, Inc.
Date Apr 23, 2013
Time 7:30 pm
Location Lincoln Hall Theater
Cost FREE
Sponsor Women's Resources Center
Contact Molly McLay
E-Mail mclay1@illinois.edu
Phone 217.333.3137
Event type WRC Program Event
Views 8
Originating Calendar Women's Resources Center
Story of a Rape Survivor (SOARS) is an award winning multimedia performance that entertains as well as educates the audience about sexual assault prevention. Featuring the music of Nina Simone, Maxwell, and Sade, SOARS tells one woman's story about how she reclaimed her body, sexuality, and self-esteem after being sexually assaulted in college. SOARS is a cutting-edge theatrical experience that stars a diverse cast of women, combining photographs, dance, spoken-word poetry and music as a way to educate about healing from sexual violence. The ultimate aim is to show that the shame, guilt and self-blame that rape victims too often experience can be eased; that the stories of rape survivors can be one of triumph and hope.


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The information provided above basically explains what happened. When I first walked in I thought it was going to be a cheesy cliche performance like that required rape event you have to attend freshman year. But to my surprise it was actually interesting to watch. The multimedia dynamic of the event was great, it really helped to convey their specific messages and you were able to feel those emotions yourself. At the end they did a QA session and each performer was an artist outside of this show which was cool and they explained a bit about their own practices. Lately I've had the urge to want to start my own or join an organization for art therapy to help people cope with their feelings through art and hearing these ladies speak about this inspired me even more. I would say this is one of the better and most meaningful events I've attended because it was highly art and specifically photography based so I could definitely relate to that aspect and pick pieces out of the performances and introductions of the performers to mold into my own photographic practices and thoughts running through my head recently. It left me with a lot to think about and I appreciate that.



Ps- waiting for Wes to add a picture of us :)