草榴社区 to play part in One Billion Rising event Feb. 14
As part of a global effort to draw awareness to and end violence
against women and girls, award-winning playwright Eve Ensler (think Vagina Monologues) has launched a dance strike event.
Drue Robinson, an adjunct instructor of performance studies at Western Washington University, is coordinating students, faculty,
local city officials and community members to contribute locally to the demonstration.
Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville will speak alongside 草榴社区 MOVE (Masculine Outreach and Violence Education) coordinator Jason Fernandez. Fairhaven College spoken word poets and performers Gray Newlin, Daniel Espinoza-Gonzalez and Brenda McGarrity will perform.聽Jenn Mason of聽Bellingham Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services and representatives from Womencare, YWCA and other advocacy groups聽will be speaking as well.
GIRLS INC, Robinson's performance group that empowers girls through theater, will be performing original聽work and joining 100 dancers of all ages and abilities in a piece that has been created and choreographed to be聽danced around the world in celebration of femininity and in protest of the violence that continues to escalate against women and girls聽around the globe.
Charlene Casimir-Goerge of the Lummi Nation will be offering a healing and prayer.
Bellingham Rising! takes place at 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Bellingham High School. It is free and open to the general public.
More information can be found 聽or by calling Robinson聽at 360-734-9999.