— from Luann Pamatian —
I am writing with two “hats” on: as a Community Advocate for SAFE San Juans and as an actor in community theater productions. I have been providing support for people experiencing all forms of domestic violence and sexual assault for over two years. Both of these “professions” were called upon when I saw the opening night of Streetcar Named Desire. I first must applaud the actors in their performing of such a powerful story. This production had me on the edge of my seat, holding back tears, with jaw and fists clenched. The caliber of acting was astounding. I forgot that those actors are my friends; they became the characters they portrayed. The play was unsettling on many different levels: mental health, racism, sexism, and alcoholism all portrayed with such incredible mastery.
As an advocate, I am reminded of how complex and real the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault are. It was true in New Orleans in 1947 and it is true today on Orcas Island. That being said, this play could be triggering for some people; SAFE San Juans is available 24/7 on our local crisis line 360.376.1234. This play is important in many ways. I see it as an opportunity for community discussion. There will be a “Talk Back” on Thursday, January 31 after the show. We can start conversations and we can listen to our friends, neighbors, and family and hear their stories. Together we can help end violence and stand up to harmful displays of power and control. We are here for you.
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Oh thank you deep and wide Luann and to the cast and all production members of A Street Car named Desired, to SAFE and to any of our community willing to be present and talk with each other about such pain and dark power. I personally don’t know of domestic violence and sexual assault. For many this is their daily experience. I need to know more and then take action.
Thank you ❤️
thank you Luann – for all that you do !
Yes. I too walk away from every viewing of this play over the years with a feeling of vicarious participation in assault. It is a powerful play. Since Williams wrote it in the 1940’s we have learned much about the cycle of domestic violence and of mental illness and their treatment, however.
If one does not intentionally break from the pattern, one unknowingly participates in it. . as the play graphically illustrates in the personae of the ineffectual supporting characters, most awfully the closing ‘Deus ex Authoritas.’
It is not enough to express our horror.. or “outrage” in the political moment. And I would not ask that a person living under this expose themselves to a public “coming out” without professional support available.
I would like to encourage that there be some informed presence knowledgeable of mental illness and domestic abuse so as to not simply perpetuate the cycle of reaction-upon-reaction without awareness, which is the essence of this kind of dysfunction always extending beyond the two principal actors.
We have more options in 2019. We use them poorly. —LeifRN