This content was published: May 2, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Illumination Project tackles domestic violence issues
Photos and story by James Hill
It’s an unusual approach to theater that not only wants to entertain, but also make a difference in the lives who see it. What is it? It’s Portland Community College’s Illumination Project.
This year, under the guidance of coordinator Jeannie LaFrance, the Illumination Project is led by a diverse group of students that have produced original plays confronting domestic and sexual violence. The plays are based on real life experiences of the students in the project. The Illumination Project is a student leadership education program designed to address issues of oppression through interactive classroom and community presentations. All performances are free and wheelchair accessible.
“The plays performed are structured in an interactive format in which audience members are called upon to participate,” said LaFrance. “By taking the place of certain characters, audience members experiment with different solutions to the issues presented in the play. Participation is voluntary and provides students and community members the option to practice in real life situations. This process allows them an opportunity to recognize and confront sexual and domestic violence in an environment that is safe, supportive, and encouraging.”
Spring Schedule
Monday, May 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 100, Terrell Hall, Cascade Campus.
Wednesday, May 14, 9:30-11 a.m., Room 122, Building 9, Rock Creek Campus.
Thursday May 15, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Tualatin High School.
Friday, May 16, 8:30-10 a.m., Merlo Station High School.
Monday, May 19, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lobby, Performing Arts Center, Sylvania Campus.
Monday, May 19, 6-7:30 p.m., PAC Lobby, Sylvania.
Wednesday, May 21, 9-10:30 a.m., PAC Lobby, PCC Sylvania.
Wednesday, May 21, 6-7:30 p.m., PAC Lobby, PCC Sylvania.
Thursday, May 22, 9-10:30 a.m., PAC Lobby, PCC Sylvania.
Tuesday, May 27, 1-2:30 p.m., PAC Lobby, PCC Sylvania.
Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 122, Building 9, Rock Creek.
Locations include Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St.); Rock Creek Campus (17705 N.W. Springville Road); Sylvania Campus (12000 S.W. 49th Ave.); Tualatin High School (22300 S.W. Boones Ferry Road); and Merlo Station High School (1841 S.W. Merlo Dr.).
The Illumination Project is made possible through funding from the Ford Foundation’s Difficult Dialogues grant and the Equity Foundation. Additional performances may be arranged for high schools and community groups.
For more information, contact Jeannie LaFrance (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 »