This content was published: January 31, 2006. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Illumination Project tackles racism through theater
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – An innovative Portland Community College student group will tackle racism and other barriers for students in interactive theater performances.The Illumination Project, a student leadership and education program designed to foster a climate of equality and compassion, is hosting performances designed to encourage audience participation. Performances run from Feb. 16 to March 6. They focus on problem-solving of issues that traditionally have made access and retention in higher education more difficult for students of color, women, the poor and working class, immigrant and sexual minorities.The Illumination Project allows audience members to intervene on the scenarios presented to better understand the project’s message. Recently, the Ford Foundation awarded the project a $100,000 grant to promote constructive dialogue at PCC. The plays will be held in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) Lobby on the Sylvania Campus, located at 12000 S.W. 49th Ave., except where indicated. The performance schedule:Thursday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., Performing Arts Center LobbyTuesday, Feb. 21, 9:30 to 10:50 a.m., PAC LobbyWednesday, Feb. 22, 10 to 11:20 a.m., PAC LobbyThursday, Feb. 23, noon to 1:20 p.m., PAC LobbyMonday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., PAC LobbyTuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., PAC LobbyWednesday, March 1, 1 to 2:20 p.m., PAC LobbyThursday, March 2, 2 to -3:20 p.m., PAC LobbyThursday March 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Terrell Hall 122*Monday, March 6, noon to 1:20 p.m., PAC LobbyMonday, March 6, 2 to 3:20 p.m., PAC Lobby*Performance at the Cascade Campus, 705 N. Killingsworth Street.The Illumination Project is a program of PCC’s Sylvania Women’s Resource and Multicultural centers. Beginning in February the Illumination Project’s performances will focus on the impact of racism on the students of Portland Community College. For more information on the Illumination Project, call 503-977-8149.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »