Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1998

Ensemble illustrates sex issues

By MEREDITH O'DONNELL
Collegian Staff Writer

The morning after a sexual encounter is not always a wonderful, warm experience.

The University Park Ensemble student theater troupe illustrated just that last night at the HUB during a program entitled "Sex at Seven." In addition to presenting rape and assault statistics, a skit called The Morning After was performed.

The skit depicted what occurred after a night of drinking and sexual assault. It was told through the eyes of two couples, who attended the same party the previous evening.

Both men act overly aggressive from drinking too much and one forces his date into sexual intercourse against her will. Her roommate learns of the story the next morning and seeks counseling for her.

"Sex at Seven," which was sponsored by the Center for Women Students and the Office of Health Promotion and Education, attempted to bring sexual assault issues to the forefront, said Stephen Porcelli (senior-theatre arts), a member of the troupe.

Vanessa Rosenberger (sophomore-theatre arts) and Stephen Porcelli (senior-theatre arts) rehearse for Monday night's performance "Sex at 7" while cast member Simon Panczyk (sophomore-theatre arts) looks on. The University Park Ensemble features a number of performances during the semester that deal with serious student issues. (Collegian Photo/Dan Saelinger - click for full size image)

The ensemble takes a unique approach to sexual assault and other issues by combining theater and audience interaction, said Barry Kur, director of the ensemble.

"Rather than lecture we use theater to get students talking about it," Kur said.

Once the troupe has performed the skit, they remain in character and the audience is allowed to pose questions, Kur said.

This shows the issue more clearly, said Kim Irwin (freshman-premedicine).

"You get a better understanding of the situation," she said.

By allowing the audience to express its viewpoints, many different cultures and backgrounds are expressed, said Elizabeth Stackhouse, company director for the ensemble.

The ensemble does not propose a solution to the issues, but rather focuses on examining all sides, Kur said.

Sexual assault is an important factor for incoming students, and the program is a good way to initiate discussion, said Linda LaSalle, assistant director for the Center for Women Students.

"I think it raises a lot of important issues about sexual assault that students -- especially new students -- should know about," LaSalle said.

Sexual assault awareness is important for University students, said Amy Galbraith (freshman-business).

"It's important on this campus to know about it," she said.

The troupe presents programs about other issues pressing to University students including alcohol, safe sex and eating disorders, Kur said. They perform in classrooms, the HUB and even travel to Commonwealth Campuses, Kur added.