Dead Man Walking arts submission (01-06-06)
San Luis Valley and regional artists have the opportunity to participate in a unique endeavor. As part of the Adams State College Theatre program's participation in the national Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project, works of original art will be exhibited in the Adams State Xperimental Theatre from April 21 through April 30.
The exhibition is a companion piece to the play Dead Man Walking by Tim Robbins. Working with Sister Helen Prejean and the Death Penalty Discourse Center, Adams State is among the first schools in the country selected to present this powerful new play. Adapted from the award-winning book by Prejean, it is an extraordinary drama that explores issues of justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Artists are encouraged to create two-or-three-dimensional works of art addressing the death penalty as a form of justice in our society and/or the role of forgiveness and redemption in our personal lives and in our communities. The deadline for submissions is March 16.
"This exhibit is a rare opportunity for valley artists to share their voices and engage what will be a profound dialogue with their community," said Laura Murphy, exhibition coordinator.
The exhibition is one of many planned activities connected with the theatre production. There are more than a dozen SLV book clubs who will read and discuss Prejean's book. Adams State Campus Ministries is organizing a one-day campus symposium featuring representatives of major religions to discuss the topic of forgiveness and reconciliation. Nationally-known author and speaker, Sister Helen Prejean will attend the first performances of the play and participate in post-show discussions with audience. She will also be the keynote speaker at the symposium.
"Between the performances and the symposium, over 2,000 people will view the art exhibition," said Dr. John H. Taylor, associate professor of theatre. "I hope that area artists will take advantage of this chance to share their art and voices with our community by creating works that deal with these important issues. All perspectives are encouraged."
For more information about the art exhibition, please contact Laura Murphy at 852-3781 or email her at laura@wildethyme.net. All interested artists are encouraged to attend a book club meeting for artists on Jan. 14 at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Alamosa from 2 - 5 p.m. to discuss the book and the subject matter before making works for the show.
For additional information about the Dead Man Walking Theatre Project and the many community events planned, please contact Dr. John Taylor at 587-7382.
