February 2023

ACTUALLY: A “Connect” Play Reading

Outside of my role at SFI, I spend some of my free time volunteering as an International Officer with my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I have the privilege of working with college students on several campuses and through that experience I have participated in many conversations over the years about consent. It is never an easy conversation, as there is not a bright line between consent and rejection. 

When Clifton Guterman approached me about considering Anna Zeigler’s Actually as part of the Courageous Conversations Connect Play Reading series I was a little hesitant. The writing is beautifully complex, the characters are well developed, and the story is very relevant - none of those were the reasons why I was hesitant. Much like the real-life situations I have helped coach college-aged women on over the years regarding this topic, there is not a clear outcome. There is not one person who is right and not one person who is wrong. It is all about perspective. And with perspective we can have situations where there is disagreement AND where there is no winner or a loser. We are impacted by the experience and, in some cases, forever changed. Thinking about the women that I work with, the complicated topic of consent, and the desire to have courageous conversations about uncomfortable topics, is what led me to saying “yes” to Clifton.The play reading will be followed by a community conversation led by Kristin Couch, LMSW, Gender-based Violence Practitioner. Participating in this conversation is a powerful reminder of the courage required to ensure we all live the ideals behind our shared values. I hope you will join us for this play reading and community conversation so that together we can advance the conversation. 

In Community,

Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Executive Director

P.S. What exactly is a “Play Reading”?

SFI has assembled a fantastic cast of professional actors who will read and act in the play. There are no production elements - no costumes, props, etc. Just the actors with the script and an opportunity to listen to the words without distraction. Their talent will bring to life Actually by Anna Zeigler, a story about two freshmen students at Princeton University who spend a night together that alters the course of their lives. They agree on the attraction. They agree on the drinking. But consent is foggy.

To learn more about our five Courageous Conversations programs, you can visit our programs page Courageous Conversations — SouthFultonInstitute.Org.