Photo by Russell Geminden
Pictured, left to right, Brandon Duran, Michael Ricci, Brandon Billings, and Kaleb Burris, rehearse for Good Kids.
In conjunction with the production, Good Kids, the Adams State University Theatre Department has organized several events to raise awareness about sexual assault, bystander intervention, and personal culpability in the age of social media. Jenna Neilsen, associate professor of theatre and Good Kids director, wants the play to be a catalyst for dialogue about these subjects.
Good Kids, opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, on the Main Stage and continues nightly April 29, and May 5 and 6, with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 7. Talk backs will take place after every performance. "Join us to continue the conversation started in the play with members of the cast, the director, and representatives from Counseling Services," Neilsen said.
Good Kids Programming
Thursday, April 27
Authority, Civility, and Controversy in the Classroom: How to Handle Challenging Situations
4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.
McDaniel Hall 101
Dr. Melina Barlow, associate professor of film studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will facilitate a teaching session for all interested attendees. A congenial classroom encourages the respectful dialogue essential to changing the world. Hone your skills in handling controversial material at this presentation before continuing the conversation about consent, rape culture, and technology at the performance of Naomi Iizuka’s Good Kids.
Monday, May 1
13 Reasons Why…Conversation & Support
6 p.m.
Xperimental Theatre
Everyone is talking about this exciting and in-your-face series that includes themes of suicide, sexual violence, bullying, and depression. Join us for free food and conversation about this emotionally charged show and how to handle the thoughts and emotions it brings up in a healthy way.
Sponsored by the ASU Counseling Center and Theater Department.
Tuesday, May 2
Good Sex – a panel discussion
7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Xperimental Theatre
Do you have questions about sex, love, or sexuality? Do you want to know how to have great sex with your partner(s) and learn how to also please yourself? Come to our Good Sex Panel and ask the experts. No question or topic is off limits.
Wednesday, May 3
Faculty Lecture
Our Rape Culture: How we all help create it
Dr. Stephanie Hilwig, professor of sociology
7 p.m.
McDaniel Hall 101
If we look around the world, we see societies in which rape is common, and vice versa, we see societies in which rape is a rare event. We need to move away from focusing all our attention on rapists, and turn our attention to our society, to our culture, to ourselves and examine the role we all play. How do we, in subtle and not so subtle ways contribute to a culture where we view women as less than, where we view women’s bodies as objects, and where we view women’s bodies as public property? This culture of misogyny increases our apathy towards women victims. In this lecture, we will focus on how our culture, and our complicit acceptance of that culture creates a society in which rape thrives.
Thursday, May 4
It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
7:30 p.m.
Xperimental Theatre
ASU Theatre’s Will Act for Change, in conjunction with the Berkeley Rep Theatre, presents a staged reading of It Can’t Happen Here. Based on Sinclair Lewis’ novel and performed as part of nationwide project, the fictional play explores the rise of fascism in America and the role of an engaged citizenship. An exciting and thought provoking evening of theatre.
