UNH Hosts Theatre for Social Justice Institute
 
The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance, UNH WildActs, and Seacoast Outright of Portsmouth will host the Theatre for Social Justice Institute, conducted by the nationally renowned Los Angeles based theatre company Fringe Benefits.
 
People of all ages throughout the Seacoast regions of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine will be participating in the institute. Some of these groups include SeaCoast Outright, UNH Durham Theatre students, community leaders, politicians, social organizations, and area residence.
 
The workshops will explore issues related to marriage equality and will ignite positive and constructive dialogue. Specifically, the group will explore how this volatile subject relates to discrimination, human rights, and the pursuit of happiness ideal. Based on these discussions and participants’ personal experiences in dealing with these issues, a play will be created and built.

The Theatre for Social Justice Institute is designed to both train and guide interested individuals in specialized techniques to create an original script and performance piece. The work done during the September institute will eventually lead to three performances of the play.
 
“I am a supporter of Fringe Benefits because I share their belief that through theatre, we can get to know and understand each other in all of our diverse beauty, and work together to create a peaceful and loving world,” said Joanne Woodward, Fringe Benefits advisory board.
 
Institute Workshops will be held at the MUB on the following dates:

• Thursday, Sept. 15: 6-9 p.m. (MUB 338/340)
• Saturday, Sept. 17: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (MUB 330/332)
• Sunday, Sept. 18: 2 p.m.-5 p.m. (MUB 330/332)
• Tuesday, Sept. 20: 6-9 p.m. (MUB Entertainment Center)
• Wednesday, Sept. 21: 6-9 p.m. or Thursday, Sept. 22.  Inquire about the exact date  (MUB 302)

Performance dates: TBA.  Most likely this winter.
 
Fringe Benefits, a nonprofit educational theater company, specialize in creating theatre to address issues related to diversity and discrimination in schools and communities throughout the country. Its book, "Cootie Shots: Theatrical Inoculations Against Bigotry for Kids, Parents and Teachers,” has received international acclaim. Since the organization began in 1991, Fringe Benefits’ track record of using theatre to build bridges among diverse individuals and communities has earned commendations from educators, parents, community leaders, and the President’s Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
 
For more information, contact Professor David Kaye, UNH Dept. of Theatre and Dance, at 2-0667, djk@unh.edu.