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THTR 249

Documentary Theatre Project

Theatre

Course Title

Documentary Theatre Project

Status

Active

Subject code

THTR

Course Number

249

Course Long Title

Documentary Theatre Project

Department(s)

Description

Explores different ways to tell complex historical narratives and how to use documentary performance in order to foster conversation about difficult issues with the goal of expanding the possibilities for social change. Conduct interviews, do archival research, and create, produce, and perform a docudrama.

Extended Description

Richmond has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the country, and this is a disease that disproportionately affects people of color. Richmond’s AIDS crisis is exacerbated by high concentrations of poverty and a lack of sex education in the public schools, as well as the opioid epidemic. For the past several years, we have been working on the subject of HIV in Richmond with an HIV-positive women’s support group. We have produced two docudramas, created a Valentine Museum exhibition in collaboration with our community partners, and even, during the pandemic, worked remotely with them on  a journal-making project. This fall, at the request of our HIV-affected community partners, we will be creating a docudrama that can be performed at theaters, churches, conferences, and other venues, as a means of opening up new conversations about a disease that continues to ravage communities of color. No theater experience is needed, just a commitment to using the arts as a vehicle for social awareness, public health education, and equity.

 

Min

1

Max

-