By 
By: MEAGAN KOWALIK
Staff Writer
mkowalik@umail.iu.edu
Since 2008, Michiana Monologues has been entertaining, empowering, inspiring, educating and raising money to help prevent domestic violence through performances and stage readings of stories submitted by area residents.
Words on Fire: Michiana Monologues 2015 will take place over the course of three dates. The first event will occur at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Civil Rights Heritage Center located on IU South Bend’s campus. Admission is free. At 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, The State Theater in downtown South Bend will host the second performance of Michiana Monologues. Tickets are $15. Free hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Rounding out the series will be a final recital and silent auction at 7 p.m. on March 7 in the IUSB campus auditorium. Tickets are $10.
The events will feature recitals and dramatic interpretations of stories sent in to the organization anonymously. The stories that will be read by cast members cover a variety of topics relating to the experiences of women. Some are humorous, while others take on a more serious tone and highlight issues that are not always talked about aloud.
“The production brings to light many aspects of woman’s experiences that are often silenced…and silence, as we know it, is a tool for oppression,” said Dr. April Lidinsky, director of women’s and gender studies at IUSB. “We bring to light the truths that need to be heard.”
Michiana Monologues provides men and women with an opportunity to listen and learn from members of the community who the audience might already know as a mother, neighbor, friend or teacher. Dr. Lidinsky said the performances are not about the individual people, but rather, the experiences.
Michiana Monologues is an event that aims to offer support, strength and a medium for collective discussion to those who attend.
“This show changes perspectives, challenges norms and moves everyone involved,” said cast member and IUSB student Jazmine Medina. “I am so excited to share this experience with my cast members and the audience.”
If you have questions about any of the Michiana Monologues events or would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact Dr. April Lidinsky at alidinsk@iusb.edu.
