Media Contact: Lori N. Jones, ljones@fairfield.edu, 203-254-4000, ext. 2975
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AIRFIELD, Conn. (September 20, 2017) — In a time where identity politics are playing a crucial role in how we align ourselves as individuals in society, a series of events at the Quick Center curated by Megan Lewis, PhD, a noted theatre scholar from UMASS Amherst, looks head on at “the power of performance -- specifically theater -- to create a space in which we can examine...the assumptions behind white, masculinized, heteronormative privilege and power and the ways in which whiteness and performance intersect.”
WHITE/BOYS/BLACK/GIRLS
explores themes of “race, gender, sexuality, and identity in a contemporary world.” The series opens with the world premiere of
, a new work by South African spoken word artist, lyricist, and activist, Ian “Ewok” Robinson, who uses hip-hop to galvanize communities around social justice issues.
Performances scheduled for Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 1 at 3 p.m. will foster public engagement in identity politics and their place in society.
Companion programming, including thought-provoking panel discussions and residency activities exploring concepts around race and social justice with ýƵƹۿ faculty members, Terry-Ann Jones, PhD, director of International Studies and associate professor of sociology, Kris Sealey, PhD, associate professor of philosophy, and Laura Nash, PhD, associate professor of music, and Fairfield students. “Ewok” will also be in residence at local schools in Bridgeport running workshops and master classes including Cesar Batalla School and the Regional Center for the Arts in Trumbull.
Dr. Megan Lewis will present a pre-show talk and book signing on September 30 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss her book, Performing Whitely in the Postcolony: Afrikaners in South African Theatrical and Public life. Be a part of this innovative program and join the conversations at the Quick.
WORLD PREMIIERE
Iain “Ewok” Robinson
Saturday, September 30, 2017 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 1, 2017 3 p.m.
Wien Experimental Theatre
$25, $18 Quick Member
WHITE/BOYS/BLACK/GIRLS
: What is race and how do we see it?
Monday, September 26, 2017 6:30 p.m.
Panel discussion with Fairfield Professor’s Dr. Terry-Ann Jones, Dr. Kris Sealey, Iain “Ewok” Robinson, and Dr. Megan Lewis, introduced by Peter Van Heerden.
Wien Experimental Theatre. Free and open to the public. RSVP required at boxoffice@quickcenter.com or 203-254-4010.
Performing Whitely in the Postcolony: Afrikaners in South African Theatrical and Public Life
Saturday, September 30, 2017 6:30 p.m.
Pre-show discussion and book signing
Dr. Megan Lewis, author
Wien Experimental Theatre. Free and open to the public.
"Programs like
WHITE/BOYS/BLACK/GIRLS
have a powerful influence on the conversations we have in and about our society and community," said the Quick Center's Executive Director Peter Van Heerden. "We are fortunate to be part of an academic community that encourages discourse around diverse social constructs and worldviews."
[In addition to Ewok's world premiere, as part of the Global Theatre performance series, in January, South African dancer and choreographer Mamela Nyamza will perform
, an autobiographical piece that tells the story of a woman faced with a life of dualism: between countries, identities, and relationships.]
Tickets are $25, $18 Quick Members, and $5 for ýƵƹۿ students. For tickets, visit www.quickcenter.com or call the box office at 203-254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.
vol. 50, #40
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is a modern Jesuit Catholic university rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe are pursuing degrees in the University’s five schools. Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values. The University is located on a stunning 200 acre campus on the scenic Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.
Posted On: 09-25-2017 11:09 AM
Volume: 50 Number: 40