The Defamation Experience was held in the University Center Ballroom on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.
The Defamation Experience is a play by Todd Logan in which the audience becomes the jury in a civil case. In the play, Regina Wade is suing Arthur Golden for defamation. Wade has to prove that Golden made a false statement about her to a business partner and that the false statement directly damaged her financially.
Throughout the play, gender, race, class and religion get brought in, thus bringing racism and prejudice into question and whether or not either was fundamental to the case.
John Blue, Director of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs, said, “The event is a good way to actually open up dialogue in reference to race, class, gender and sexuality, and it gives the students … as well as the community an opportunity to actually see how those things play a part in our criminal justice system.”
After audience deliberation, the verdict was decided, and discussion began between the audience and Kimm Beavers, the Managing Producer, and character Ms. Allen, Golden’s attorney.
The main goal of the performance and subsequent discussion was to open up conversation about what are often difficult subjects.
“The one goal that we want to achieve is for people to get comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations,” said Beavers. “It creates empathy and awareness and understanding, and it bridges gaps.”
Discussion topics ranged from how the audience felt during the performance to reasons behind why they made the decision that they did.
Sinahi Carrizales, a sophomore Communications major from Somerville, assisted in helping with the show. “It’s an eye-opening and open minded event,” Carrizales said.
During the discussion, Beavers encouraged audience members to be open to having difficult conversations and diversifying their personal lives in an attempt to grow as individuals in society.
“Growth comes out of addressing your discomforts,” Beavers said. “They [the audience] really got into the conversation. In the conversation … they were pushing beyond their discomforts. That to me is growth.”
“I think that when people learn how to have these conversations they will grow.”
For more information about The Defamation Experience, visit their website defamationtheplay.com.
Pacer Photo / Hannah Hughes
