The Adams State University Theatre Program is proud to announce “enGENDERing Change: The ASU Gender Theatre Project”. From September 27 through November 1, there will be a variety of events on campus that are open to the campus and community.

With its door slam heard around the world in 1879, Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House” ignited a debate about what it means to be female and male. A hundred-forty years later, our understanding of human identity goes well beyond traditional ideas of gender and sexuality. This project examines the past, explores the present, and celebrates a future where every individual is empowered to live as their own authentic self.

“enGENDERing Change” features a stage production of the award-winning new play “A Doll’s House, Part 2”, a national juried art exhibition, and more. Combining the arts, education, activism, and community engagement, the project affirms the continuing need to fight for gender equity, to champion an individual’s right to self-determination, and to foster the extraordinary diversity which enriches our community.

John Taylor, Ph.D., professor of theatre, created the project and directs the stage play. “I began this work out of a concern about what I see happening in our country. Against every expectation for the new century, we are in danger of losing our forward progress towards justice for all, equal treatment under the law, gender equity, and the eradication of racism and homophobia. In response to this threat, I saw the opportunity for a new theatre project that explores what we need to do to move forward so that we can create a more just and perfect union.”

Adams State University’s mission is to educate, serve, and inspire our diverse populations in the pursuit of their lifelong dreams and ambitions. “enGENDERing Change” is an example of the University’s commitment to opportunity and access for all in an environment that promotes diversity and values inclusiveness.

Taylor says: “This project asks basic questions such as what kind of world do we need to create in order for each individual to live as their own authentic self? What old ways of thinking do we need to discard? We strive for change, but what is the change for which we are fighting?”

As an individual, what concrete actions am I willing to take to make that change happen?”

Events for “enGENDERing Change” include:

Play: “A Doll’s House, Part 2”
Sept. 27 through Oct. 6
Call 719-587-8499 for reservations

The ASU Ghost Light Project 2019 and Reception
September 27
Following the opening night of “A Doll’s House, Part 2”

Film: “On the Basis of Sex”
7 p.m.
October 1
Theatre Building

All Rise Now Rally
12 p.m.
October 2
Richardson Hall

Lecture: “The Door Slam Heard Around the World: Exploring the Social and Cultural Legacy of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House”
John Taylor, Ph.D., professor of theatre
7 p.m.
October 3
Theatre Building

Additional events include an Art Exhibit from October 7 through November 7 in the Art Department Galleries and a book exhibit from September 27 through October 31 in the Nielsen Library.

“enGENDERing Change” is made possible through the generous support of Leslie and Maury Lieberman.

Taylor added, “I want to thank everyone who has worked to make this project possible including my colleagues in the Department of Visual Art and Theatre, the Department of Music, ASU CoRE, Nielsen Library, ASU Pride, and students across the campus.”