What We Do


Rehearsal for Tell It  by Durell Callier. Pictured left to right are Tiffany Harris and Mary Renee Presley.

 

INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre addresses complex, timely and often difficult social issues that connect deeply to university community(ies) and beyond. Through performances followed by post-performance audience dialogues, we commit ourselves to the cultivation of this social space for rich civic dialogue that is vital to the wellness of community. With an eye on civic engagement and social justice,we concern ourselves with where and how change can be made. Understanding performance as inherently dialogic, we engage live theatre as a catalyst for conversation. Audience members are presented with the opportunity to engage in dialogue with one another as they consider how subtle and not-so-subtle actions and behaviors in everyday situations affect thoughts, attitudes, mindsets, and, ultimately, the health and social relations of a community and its members.

Performances take place in the Armory Free Theatre, the Courtyard Café, residence halls, classrooms, conferences, symposia, town hall meetings and performance venues in the larger Champaign-Urbana community and beyond. INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre ensemble is available to tour throughout the semester, addressing social issues such as gender identity, economic justice, heterosexism, racism, dating violence, gender equity, hate crimes, and sexual assault. Each show, designed to be engaging, enjoyable, informative and challenging, includes a 20 to 50 minute performance followed by a post-performance dialogue. Support materials and follow-up references pertinent to the topic are provided.