The University of Central Arkansas honorary theatre society, Alpha Psi Omega (APO), will present a #MeToo Slam to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Alliance (CAA), Tuesday, April 17.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the McCastlain Ballroom.
A slam is a collection of short performances including monologues, songs, movement/dance, shorts scenes, readings, etc. Participants were encouraged to express their reaction or interpretation to the #MeToo campaign that swept social media at the end of 2017 with stories of sexual abuse, harassment and assault.
“We were struck by how many #MeToo stories occurred in adolescence, which compelled us to partner with Children’s Advocacy Alliance (CAA),” said Zoe Allison, UCA senior and APO president. “This organization provides support to minors and their families as they undergo the legal and healing process.”
The money raised through ticket sales and donations will go directly to CAA.
“Our biggest struggle is telling the story of the kids we serve,” said Leia Smith, CAA outreach and marketing coordinator. “We cannot detail the large sum of how we spend our time. The #MeToo Slam is more than a slam for us, it is an opportunity for years of lost stories and voices to be heard.
“We hope that this event sheds light on the brave children in our community and sparks a conversation resolved to end sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment. #MeToo because we know the trauma. #MeToo because we believe that through community support and hope, we can overcome any struggle.”
This production is not for everyone as it contains controversial and mature material.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at goo.gl/Wkn67t. More information is available by contacting Melissa Pearson, UCA Theatre business manager, at melissap@uca.edu or 501-450-5092.
The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Music, and Film, Theatre and Creative Writing, as well as the School of Communication. The College’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit www.uca.edu/cfac or call 501-450-3293.