Community Collaboration – Light

This project was for community performances of the new play Light, which was commissioned by the Rochester Public Library, written and directed by Rochester Civic Theatre Executive Director, Gregory Stavrou, and featured local actors. The purpose of this new play was to continue the dialogue of our perceptions of race and how those perceptions may affect the community. The diversity dialog originally started when the Rochester Public Library hosted the MN Science Museum RACE exhibit in the summer of 2010. Light explores the resonant injustice of racism through the eyes of a witty and spirited young “local” girl as she reaches toward understanding of her experiences, the actions of her peers, community, and her parents. Light incorporates familiar references to help illuminate the personal and community impact of racism and is intended to foster constructive dialogue in communities throughout southeastern Minnesota. The program consisted of seven performances of the play at the Rochester Public Library. Performances were on various dates and times in order to attract a wide audience. Volunteer facilitators trained by the Diversity Council lead a post-play dialogue with attendees about how they experienced the play, their perspectives and reactions, as well as what other actions they could take.