Impact

Penn State Harrisburg to present 'Silenced Voices' episodic series

The virtual performances aim 'to give voice to the voiceless'

Credit: Penn State Harrisburg / Penn StateCreative Commons

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg’s Diversity and Educational Equity Committee (DEEC) will host “Silenced Voices,” an episodic series about the lived experiences of the Penn State Harrisburg community on the issues of race, religion, gender, disability and other issues. New episodes will premiere at 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in February, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 16.

For three years, the DEEC collected these lived experience stories anonymously. The DEEC leadership then worked with Maria Enriquez, assistant teaching professor of theater, and Adam Gustafson, associate teaching professor of music, to create a theatrical work from these stories.

“Reading the stories of the lived experiences of our campus community members are very impactful,” said Alixandra Moyer, past co-chair of the DEEC. “The Padlet platform allowed them to share their stories with honesty and candor. We encourage you to tune in to hear these stories and join us as we offer support, empathy, resources and empowerment to all members of our community.”

Following each episode there will be a post-show talk-back with members of the cast and a subject-matter expert related to each episode’s topic.

“The 'Silenced Voices' series is so important in today's world,” said Matt Mitra, the current co-chair of the DEEC and technical director of the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. “Our campus community needs to hear these powerful stories and hear the voices of fellow faculty, staff, and students.”

The virtual event is free and open to the public. To register, visit bit.ly/3p15BX6. For more information about the event, please email deechbg@psu.edu.

This event is sponsored by Penn State Harrisburg’s Diversity and Educational Equity Committee.

Last Updated April 15, 2021