Starting the Conversation . . .

We’re offering this summary of our first Theatre Arts Open Forum on October 20, 2020, for the sake of those who couldn’t attend and in hope that more people will participate in the next forum.  We hope to make this a regular feature of our theatre arts community as we move forward through this school year and beyond.

The Open Forum started with Bradley Branam offering updates on performance and production opportunities for the 2020/2021 season.  If you’re looking for a production credit or just want to join in making some theatre this year, please contact Bradley, Janet, Jerry or Jeanette as soon as you can.

Tricia Rodley then guided us all through helpful standards for the discussions that would follow, so that everyone could feel positively supported in whatever they might have to say, and also so that we could use the Zoom format more effectively.  These standards will continue to be our guide for future forum discussions.

John Schmor introduced the first topic, the condition or context of the pandemic and how, after nearly eight months, we each might be feeling or have learned.  The discussion that followed was in two parts:  how we are feeling and coping in such a time, as well as new things we might have learned about ourselves and others; and the second was more specific to our experiences with online courses, “remote” learning and teaching.  People in both break-out sessions spoke of their grief, for all those directly affected by the virus, those who lost loved ones, those who are jobless and alone.  For our Theatre Arts community, we shared our grief for those who were in productions that were so suddenly cancelled in March.  Many spoke about the fatigue we can feel in the face of so much uncertainty and isolation.  And while we all miss in-person experiences for classes, practical production work, and simple socializing, many expressed that our Zoom meetings and Zoom plays have been better than doing nothing.  Face time with professors and friends has become increasingly important, even though we get tired of the screen. Some have found unexpected opportunities to strengthen family time or pursue new hobbies.  Some were able to link up with professionals around the country; some have created small locally-based interest groups that augment classroom participation.  We all greatly miss the freedom to congregate and creatively collaborate – to be with each other.  Maybe one gift from all this is that we’ve learned more deeply how much we need each other, which is at the core of what we do and what we love about theatre.

Jeanette deJong introduced the second topic, the racial and social justice protests sparked by the death of George Floyd and many other people of color, often at the hands of the police.  The discussion that followed touched on several points:  How has the Black Lives Movement, including more awareness of Police Brutality, affected each of us?  How has the movement changed each of our thinking?  How do we start the discussion of systematic injustice, race, and privilege, and how can we make a safe space in which to explore our concerns and questions?  How can each of us begin to change our theatre practice to respond to the protests, and how can we expand our welcome to more people? Lastly, how do we continue this conversation into the future?

Many of the participants were not able to physically take part in the protests because of health or other concerns, but they were active on social media and through donations in support of the protest goals.  There was a sense of sadness at not being able to be more present with the protests, and a sense that it was valuable to use whatever privilege we may each have to support the movement.  There was an acknowledgment that racial injustice is a long-standing problem that will take sustained action and commitment to help address. There was also a recognition that racial injustice is linked to other injustices, including violence against women and homophobia. Seeing the video of what happened to George Floyd broke through and affected those who may not have felt personally affected by racial injustice and police brutality. At the same time, some people spoke of losing friends over the protests due to gaps between world views.

In terms of going forward, our conversation revealed that we are in a process of learning and growing.  This will be an imperfect process.  We need to listen to people who are affected by social injustice and follow their lead, as well as examine our own words, actions, and biases.  We can recognize that social systems and structures work very differently for different groups of people, and that it is a privilege to be able to work within a system without worrying about how to negotiate it safely.  We also need to acknowledge that we may have different viewpoints and what is in each person’s heart is their own business, but we CAN act more compassionately towards one another.   It is important to be loving enough to acknowledge the hurt.

Theatre can tell stories of different lived experiences, and raise empathy.  It will take sustained effort to invite more people in, but we can be welcoming to a multiplicity of ideas and people.

We shouldn’t cancel what wasn’t perfect in the past – things can be imperfect and still worthwhile – but we can also be more thoughtful about what we present and represent in the future.

Theresa May concluded our evening of thoughtful and inspiring discussion by affirming everyone’s participation and the hope that more will join us, and with a reminder to VOTE, if you are able.

We look forward to more open conversations within our Theatre Arts community soon. 

In the meantime, here are a collection of helpful resources:

On Campus Resources:

LYLLYE REYNOLDS-PARKER BLACK CULTURAL CENTER
The Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center is the engine for Black students’ academic success at the University of Oregon. The BCC is a welcoming and supportive space that helps Black students harness the resources necessary to navigate their social, cultural, and academic experience. By investing in the success of Black students, the BCC enhances the cultural and social development of the entire University of Oregon community.

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
LGBTESS offers programs that are designed to educate people about the truth and diversity of the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through ally training and panel discussions, we provide opportunities to share stories and ask questions in a way that fosters understanding, appreciation, and respect. Presentations are also available upon request.

MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Throughout the year there are a variety of events and programs hosted by students and community members focused on sharing experiences and discussions around culture and heritage with the campus community.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
As a nontraditional student, you have a unique set of needs. There are a variety of resources and services available to help you balance school and life. The Nontraditional Student Union is dedicated to representing the nontraditional student voice on campus and providing a place for you to feel at home. If you are looking for a place to connect with other nontraditional students, a place to get involved and advocate for change, or if you just want a place to study and get a snack in the heart of campus, the Nontraditional Student Union is a great place to explore. We provide several outlets for exploring more about our community through Engage and on Facebook.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
AcessAbility STUDENT UNION
Welcome to the UO AASU! We are a group made up of students with disabilities and able-bodied allies who value the diversity within all of us. We are dedicated to being a support system for students while also educating the wider University of Oregon community about disability culture. We are a support system for our students and we often hold fun and educational events and activities. We would love to have you with us!
Aability <aability@uoregon.edu>
Accessibility & Community Resources

VETERANS
Having a community that supports you through your college experience is important. There are a variety of programs on campus focused on connecting student veterans and their families, working to make you successful.

Rompiendo fronteras: The Latinx Experience in Grad School
Wednesday, April 21st from 5:00-7:00pm on Zoom (link provided through registration)
Registration required (https://forms.gle/jVSrMgNa2HD3ZQE48)

Do you identify as Latinx? Have you thought about going to graduate school?  

Join us for this virtual event to learn from 4 current Latinx grad students and 3 Latinx faculty members about their journeys and advice. We will also discuss what to consider and how to start planning for graduate school.  

 All students are welcome.  Student attendees will be entered in a raffle for UO Duckstore gift cards, to be drawn at the close of the event. Must be present to win! Questions? Contact  shlassistant@uoregon.edu.

If you’re not familiar with the SHL Program, watch our video here.