[Capdist-announce] Fwd: PR: WAM announces Audience Engagement Series for 'In Darfur'

[Gail Burns]

*Friends -*


*If you haven't already, please RSVP if you want to attend a performance of
"In Darfur." We need your help spreading the word about this powerful and
unique theatrical experience. The official press opening is at 2 pm on
Sunday, November 2. Seating is VERY limited, so if you can manage with just
one comp please let me know. Thanks!*
*Gail*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gail Burns, Marketing and Publicity Associate
www.wamtheatre.com
pr at wamtheatre.com; 518.243.9627
Press Photos can be found at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/sets/72157648698789976/

*WAM Theatre announces post-performance speakers for In Darfur.*
*Audience Engagement Series includes moderated discussions and art exhibit.
 *

LEE, MA (10/23/14) – *Brenda Oppermann *has served as advisor, researcher,
and program manager for essential organizations – including NATO, USAID,
the UN, the US Department of Defense, US Army, and the US Institute for
Peace – in regions of conflict across the world, specializing in women and
conflict, gender issues, traditional justice, civil society, governance,
and counterinsurgency. *Theo Padnos *is an American journalist who moved to
Yemen and converted to Islam; in 2012, after the release of his book,
Undercover Muslim, about Islamic extremism, he was kidnapped and held
hostage in a Syrian-run prison until his release this August, one week
before journalist James Foley’s beheading.

These are just two of the high-caliber speakers lined up to lead
discussions following each performance of WAM Theatre’s production of
Winter Miller’s compelling drama, *In Darfur.* They’re part of a
comprehensive Audience Engagement Series organized by WAM Theatre’s
Education Outreach Curator Kimberly Ciola. The Series is designed to
provide context for the play’s 10-performance run, from October 30 –
November 16, at Shakespeare & Company’s intimate Berry Family Studio. *Audience
seating is limited to 60 per performance for this intimate, immersive
experience*. Opening night, November 1, is already sold out.* Press
performances is Sunday, November 2 at 2:30 pm. RSVP required. *

*In Darfur* is the gripping tale of three lives that intersect in the most
challenging of circumstances: a camp for internally displaced persons. The
story follows an aid worker (Rich Lounello) as he strives to protect and
care for victims of turmoil in a refugee camp; a Darfuri woman (Sipiwe
Moyo) struggling to maintain her dignity on her quest for safety; and a
journalist (Tricia Alexandro) on a dogged pursuit to deliver a front-page
story that will focus the world’s attention on a growing humanitarian
crisis. Timely, thought-provoking, and laced with unexpected humor, *In
Darfur* is a journey of courage and humanity in the face of peril.

WAM Theatre Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven, who is directing this
production, recognized early on that *In Darfur* will catalyze strong
responses among its audiences, and that viewers may want to share thoughts
and hear more about the play’s context and relevance. “I felt it was
important to create a forum for discussion after such an intense show, so
that our audience can have some kind of post-performance reflection, but
also to provide an opportunity to learn more about the real-life situations
addressed in the play – of which, unfortunately, there are many.”

The first speaker of the series is award-winning playwright *Winter Miller*,
who was inspired to write *In Darfur* by her first-hand experience in a
refugee camp on the Chad border as a researcher for New York Times
columnist Nicholas Kristof during the Darfuri genocide. A founding member
of the Obie-recognized collective 13 Playwrights, Miller recently attended
a rehearsal of WAM Theatre’s production to provide insight to the cast and
crew. “I'm really excited for WAM to do this show,” says Miller. “Everyone
I have met from WAM is really open and warm-hearted, and that's special to
find. It’s a privilege for me to work with people who are so invested in
bringing this play to life.”

“I would like the play to stay with audiences longer than the duration of
the performance,” Miller continues. “I am hoping for a rise in empathy
towards others, an awareness of the privileges of being born in this
country. It’s nothing like being born in Darfur. I would like audiences to
come away with an inquisitiveness about the news they read and hear, and
how it was gathered.” Her participation in the Audience Engagement Series,
on the October 31 preview and November 1 opening night, along with the
other speakers, will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.

In addition to the post-show discussions, WAM Theatre has organized *an
exhibition* that further contextualizes this production. The exhibit
features work by award-winning photojournalists *John Stanmeyer* and *Ron
Haviv,* both of whom have spent extensive time on assignment in Sudan.
Recognized for documenting humanitarian crises across the globe, they are
represented by striking images that reflect the themes of *In Darfur*: life
in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps; the plight of women in
conflict zones; and the ravages of disease in South Sudan. Also on exhibit
is work by local artists from the recent show, *Paper Dresses*, created by
PRESS Gallery Chief *Melanie Mowinski*, which addresses the roles and
expectations of women in society.

The exhibition also provides an intimate look at the beneficiaries of WAM
Theatre’s annual philanthropic donation: *the 13 housemothers at Mother of
Peace Orphanage in Illova, South Africa* caring for 81 children who have
been orphaned, abused, or impacted by HIV/AIDs. WAM Theatre will honor
their important work and selfless dedication by giving them 25% of the box
office proceeds from this production of *In Darfur*. Significantly, most of
the housemothers plan to use this donation to invest in education for
themselves and members of their families. For more details on the
recipients of WAM Theatre’s annual philanthropic donation, please visit
http://www.wamtheatre.com/fall-production-2014/meet-the-housemothers-of-mother-of-peace-illovo/

Following is the complete schedule of speakers immersed in issues raised by *In
Darfur* who will moderate informative, relevant post-performance
discussions.

*October 31 & November 1: Playwright Winter Miller *

*November 2: Denise Ellis*

A professor who teaches graduate social work students at Kean University
and makes frequent international presentations on international social
work, social and economic justice, human rights, social welfare policy,
democracy, and economic issues, Denise Ellis is also a consultant on issues
related to child sexual abuse and intervention.

*November 7: Charles Jones*

A veteran professor who has taught courses in criminal law and civil rights
at various law schools, including Rutgers-Newark School of Law, Harvard
Law, Seton Hall Law School, and Seattle University School of Law, Charles
Jones is currently working on a book analyzing American hate speech and
hate crimes.

*November 8: Kristen van Ginhoven & cast members*

An accomplished director, actor, and educator, van Ginhoven was inspired to
create WAM Theatre in 2010 after reading Half the Sky: Turning Oppression
into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.
She is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and
Choreographers, a freelance artist for ISTA (International Schools Theatre
Association, an organization devoted to international youth theatre
education), and was a member of the 2013 Lincoln Center Theater Directors
Lab. She will lead a talk back/Q&A with members of the cast of In Darfur,
professional actors who bring not only their talent and technique to this
project, but also their deep passion to share this important story.

*November 9: Brenda Oppermann *

With over 25 years of experience working primarily in international
development and stability operations in fragile states and areas of
conflict and post-conflict in Africa, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle
East, Brenda Oppermann has served as an advisor, researcher, and senior
program manager specializing in women and conflict, gender issues,
traditional justice, civil society, governance, and counterinsurgency for
organizations including NATO, the UN, the US Department of Defense, the US
Army, USAID, and the US Institute for Peace.

*November 14: Jennifer Browdy & Pauline Dongala *

Jennifer Browdy is founder of the Berkshire Festival for Women Writers and
a professor of gender studies, leadership, and human rights at Simon’s Rock.
Originally from Congo, where she worked for 14 years at the American
Embassy in Congo Brazzaville, Pauline Dongala moved to the United States in
1999 after a series of civil wars took the lives of many of her family
members. She has co-edited two books and has lectured on women’s
empowerment both internationally and domestically.

*November 15: Theo Padnos*

After teaching poetry to prisoners in a Vermont jail – experience that
served as the subject matter of his first book, My Life Has Stood a Loaded
Gun – Theo moved to Yemen and converted to Islam. Following the publication
of his second book, Undercover Muslim, a critique of Islamic extremism, he
was kidnapped in 2012 and held hostage for nearly two years, until he was
released by al-Nursa Front in August 2014, just one week before the
beheading of fellow freelance journalist James Foley.
Given this formidable array of speakers, rich in perspectives and
experience, audience members are not only welcome but encouraged to return
for multiple post-show discussions by donation.

WAM Theatre’s annual fall production, the New England premiere of *In
Darfur*, runs from October 30 through November 16 at Shakespeare & Company.
This powerful, immersive theatrical event will take place in the Berry
Family Studio in the Elayne P. Bernstein Center;* seating is limited to 60
audience members per show.* Previews are October 30 & 31; opening night –
Saturday, November 1 – is sold out. Tickets are available for purchase in
person or by phone at the Shakespeare & Co. box office: 413-637-3353.
Tickets are also available at www.tickets.shakespeare.org with a per ticket
charge of $4.50 for online purchases.



*Quick Facts*

*In Darfur,* a play by Winter Miller, will receive its New England
premiere, directed by Kristen van Ginhoven, as WAM Theatre’s fifth annual
fall production.

*Cast*

Tricia Alexandro
Christina Gordon*
Shannon Harris*
marcus d. harvey*
Warren Jackson*
Rich Lounello*
Sipiwe Moyo*

*Member of Actor's Equity Association

*Creative Team:*

Director: Kristen van Ginhoven
Coordinating Producer Jessica Provenz
Assistant Director: Molly Clancy
Scenic Designer:  Juliana von Haubrich
Costume Designer: Govane Lobhauer
Sound and Projections Designer: Brad Berridge
Lighting Designer: Natalie Robin
Fight Director: Doug Seldin
Movement Director: Megan Reisel
Technical Director: Sam Craig
Production Manager: Christopher Donovan
Stage Manager: Laura Gomez
Assistant Stage Manager: Melissa Rao

*Theatrical run*

October 30 – November 16, 2014
Previews: Thursday, October 30 & Friday October 31, 7 pm
Opening night: Saturday, November 1, 7 pm (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, November 2, 2:30 pm
Friday, November 7, 7 pm
Saturday, November 8, 7 pm
Sunday, November 9, 7pm
Friday, November 14, 7pm
Saturday, November 15, 7pm
Sunday, November 16, 2:30pm

*Location*

Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Center, in the Berry Family
Studio (Studio 3), 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, 01240

*Tickets*

Price: $15 - $40

Tickets can be purchased in person or by phone at the Shakespeare & Company
box office: 413-637-3353.

Tickets are also available at www.tickets.shakespeare.org with a per ticket
charge of $4.50 for online purchases.

*Philanthropic beneficiary*

In keeping with WAM Theatre's double philanthropic mission, 25% of the box
office proceeds from this production will be donated to the Mother of Peace
Illovo orphanage in South Africa, where 13 women have dedicated their lives
to raising children who have lost their families. By selecting the Mother
of Peace Illovo as this year’s philanthropic beneficiary, WAM Theatre
honors and celebrates the selfless dedication and important work of these
women.

*Production sponsors*

Producer sponsor: Greylock Federal Credit Union
Lead partners, *In Darfur* Education Outreach program: Berkshire Bank, and
Garden Gables Inn.
Leader sponsors: Interprint and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
Patron sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Custom Business Solutions and the
Red Lion Inn.
Supporter sponsors: Abbie von Schlegell, Regina Burgio and Dr. Jay Wise,
DDS.
Media sponsors: Berkshire Magazine and the Rogovoy Report.
Fifth-season events also partially supported by the Alford-Egremont,
Pittsfield, Otis, and Stockbridge Cultural councils.

*About WAM Theatre*

Based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, WAM Theatre was co-founded in
2010 by Canadian director, actor, educator, and producer Kristen van
Ginhoven, who was inspired to take action by the book *Half the Sky:
Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide* by Nicholas
Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. WAM Theatre’s philanthropic mission is two-fold:
first, to create theatrical events for everyone, with a focus on women
theatre artists and/or stories of women and girls; and second, to donate a
portion of the proceeds from those events to organizations that benefit
women and girls.

Over the past five years, WAM Theatre has donated more than $10,500 to six
nonprofit organizations that help women and girls, and provided paid work
to more than 100 theatre artists. In its fifth year, Artistic Director van
Ginhoven has expanded WAM Theatre’s activities to include more performances
in various venues, including educational outreach and the new Fresh
TakesPlay Reading Series at Six Depot Roastery and Café in West
Stockbridge. For more information, visit www.WAMTheatre.com

*About Shakespeare & Company*

Located in The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company
is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country, founded in 1978
by Tina Packer.  The organization attracts more than 60,000 patrons
annually, with a core of over 150 artists and more than 30 full-time staff.
The Company develops and performs Shakespeare, classics, contemporary, and
new plays of social and political significance, generating opportunities
for collaboration between actors, directors and designers of all races,
nationalities and backgrounds. Shakespeare & Company embraces the core
values of Shakespeare’s work: collaboration, commitment to language,
visceral experience and classical ideals, expressed with physical prowess
and an embodied contemporary voice.

The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a
regional theatre in the country, where professionals from all over the
world come to train with the Organization known for its original, in-depth,
classical training and performance methods. Shakespeare & Company is also
home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education
program, one of the largest in the Northeast; it reaches more than 45,000
students annually with innovative performances, workshops and residencies.
For more information, please visit www.shakespeare.org.

# #  # # #

Kristen van Ginhoven
*Artistic Director*
WAM Theatre
518-243-9627

Celebrating our Fifth Season!

Up Next:
October 30-November 16- *In Darfur
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/in-darfur/> New England Premiere!*

Click here <http://www.wamtheatre.com/donate/> to make a secure donation to
WAM Theatre

*Thank you for your support!*
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