Veterans Project
Artistic Director: Fay Simpson Associate Director: Jenny Pacanowski
Company: Jenny Pacanowski, Everett Cox, Kennedy Melchiona, Thiago Felix, Brenna Palughi,
Kate Berman, Temesgen Tocruray, Brian Patrick Murphy, Lyn Watson, Vicki Kohlhepp
Impact Theatre takes the Lucid Body process out of the class room, into performance. We are working from the same basic concept that buried emotions once expressed, stir the waters of change and inspire growth. Since 2012, we have developed an arena within the Veterans Community to stimulate dialogue and communication. Applied theatre makes the best use of theatre technique to enhance communication and dedication to healing. See the performances below, each one followed by provocative dialogue and solution circles.
Media
One Fight Foundation play highlights military service members’ experiences
Those who serve(d) – reflections from an audience member
‘Combat Conversations’ on LV Arts Salon – Veterans Project portion of this radio show begins at 12:26
Homecoming
Six Lucid Body trained actors have interviewed soldiers, and family members, some of whom have been involved in our rehearsal process. We have created a few vivid portraits involving music, movement and language to start to express the emotional complexity of the soldier moving from the intensity of the battlefield to mundane civilian life. One moment you are pointing a gun, the next, holding a latte. How is that gap negotiated?
Leaving Theatre
Leaving Theatre is a high-caliber, dynamic and engaging theatre piece made up of actors and veterans. It employs a unique, theatrical catalyst for social change called the Behavior Change Process. The 20-minute performance is followed by a 40-minute discussion, engaging the audience in finding solutions, or even stepping into the theatre piece to change the results. There are follow-up workshops offered after the performance to continue the discussion. Leaving Theatre, (which is a military term for when a solider is discharged to return home) focuses on the issues that arise in the veteran community due to the lack of an effective reintegration process.
“It was an absolute honor to share a veteran’s perspective and to observe your creative process. Thank you, on behalf of every veteran, for caring and taking action on our behalf.”
Matt “Doc” King | US Army Sergeant | Combat Medic Iraq 2004-2005
Combat Conversations: Families Affected By War
What happens when the deployment is over and our service members return home? What do families do when time has passed without the service member?
Please join us for a potent and engaging play to watch the interactions of families affected by war and military culture.
Here’s an opportunity to discuss the issues and consequences of the choices made, lend your voice and experience to the play and how “we” as a community can truly embrace and support our warriors and their families coming home.
Co produced by Impact theatre and The One Fight Foundation!
The play was crafted and informed by forums in the Lehigh Valley with veterans, civilians and family members. The script was designed and sculpted by the forums, the cast, Fay Simpson and Jenny Pacanowski.
