Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Ben Atherton-Zeman" <>]

Good point, Ethan!

I know that "Sex Signals" (as well as "Voices of Men") requires hosts to 
have advocates available in the audience, in case this kind of thing 
happens.

My experience as a performer of educational theatre is that more often, 
instead of being retraumatized, audience members will realize they have been 
sexually assaulted for the first time ever.  Before seeing the show, maybe 
they blamed themselves (or others blamed them) and didn't realize it was 
assault.  If an advocate is available to talk to at the end of the show, 
they'll talk to them and get hooked up with services.

Usually, they'll want to talk to me, but I ask an advocate to stand right 
next to me so they can end up being the one they talk to.  I don't mind 
listening to someone, but I'm usually gone the next day and the advocate is 
not.

Until the violence stops, Ben.

Ben Atherton-Zeman, Maynard, MA USA
Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," http://www.voicesofmen.org 
(video clips available)
For booking information, please call 978-897-3619

DEADLINE - JULY 10:
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"As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully 
content."
- President Barack Obama's 4th of July email
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 16:18:25 -0700
> From: "Ethan Young" 
> <>
> Subject: RE: "Catharsis Productions" and "Sex Signals"
> To: 
> <>
> Message-ID: 
> <001101ca00eb$8fa46270$aeed2750$@org>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> In rereading my post, I feel I need to further clarify my point:
>
> I don't think we should necessarily stop or stifle bystander engagement
> initiatives because the potential exists for them to do harm.  Rather, I
> think the responsibility is on us to anticipate the potential for harm and
> to frame and structure the programming to minimize that potential, as well
> as respond appropriately when someone feels re-victimized or triggered.
>
> Programs such as Sex Signals are responsible for their content (inasmuch 
> as
> they deliver what they promise), but it is our duty to set the tone and
> provide appropriate support for survivors.  Even if survivors aren't in 
> the
> audience, I believe doing so can send a powerful message of respect for
> their experience -- especially when something engaging like Sex Signals 
> can
> back it up.
>
> Those are my two cents...
>
> Ethan