Purdue News

Instructional theater troupe stages sexual harassment dialogue WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – HumanRITE, the Human Relations Interactive Theatre Ensemble, will present two dramatizations about sexual harassment and related issues Thursday and Friday, April 25 and 26. Thursday's performance begins at 1 p.m. in rooms 302 and 306 of Stewart Center. Friday's presentation begins at 3:30 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 218 C and D. The presentations, sponsored by the Purdue University Affirmative Action Office and Human Resource Services, are open to Purdue faculty, staff and students. Diana Prieto, interim director of the Affirmative Action Office, said performers will act out sexual harassment scenes and then ask questions to stimulate dialogue with the audience. Among the questions posed: What is sexual harassment? Why is it important to address the issue? What can an individual do about sexual harassment as an employee and as a supervisor? "We had one performance early in April, and that received wonderful feedback," Prieto said. "Instead of a workshop, the performances allow the audience to engage in dialogue after the scenes are portrayed. It creates an open, interactive experience through a positive medium." Prieto said by acting out nuances surrounding harassment themes and then discussing the issues, the performances become a teaching and learning tool. For further information or to make a reservation or request an accommodation, contact the Affirmative Action Office at (765) 494-7253 (v) or (765) 496-7253 (tty). CONTACT: Diana Prieto, (765) 494-7253, dprieto@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page