CU students expressed their concern about sexual violence on campus through interactive theater and discussion Oct. 25.
The event, hosted by the CU Rape and Gender Education Program, featured real-life monologues written by students. Four actors of the Interactive Theater Project relived experiences and left the audience discussing sexual violence and rape.
“These are real stories from our campus community,” said Rebecca Brown, the director of the Interactive Theater Project.
The skits brought to life stories of a girl who was sexually assaulted by her cousin at the age of 16, a boy who was struggling with his friend’s rape, a girl raped by her drunken boyfriend and a boy dealing with an uncle molesting his younger brother.
“If you feel really sad or angry, please know there are resources on campus like COURAGE. It doesn’t have to happen to you to want to talk about it,” Brown said to the audience.
After the skits, the audience discussed the problems with gender roles in society and how alcohol can create a fine line between rape and consensual intercourse.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve seen interactive theater, but I like how it always brings up different issues and perspectives,” said Raul Jimenez, a director of housing. “That’s why I keep coming back.”
Besides discussion and opinions, the directors of the Interactive Theater Project and COURAGE provided facts and information about what to do after a rape.
“This was really intense,” said Lea Bernstein, a senior psychology major. “Everyone has a story to tell, and I feel like I can learn from everyone’s experience here tonight.”
The Interactive Theater Project also encouraged students to send in their anonymous stories to be performed at upcoming events to promote sexual-violence awareness.
