Western Courier

Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa The University Union was the site of a three-day theatrical protest two weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, nine students performed un-authorized theatrical protests in the Western Illinois University Union. They were fulfilling the requirement from Theater 580 to perform a "happening," or a public theatrical show. The group wrote and acted out a three-part skit, garnering a range of reactions.

"If they would have said no, we would have done it anyway," said grad student Danny Pancratz.

The first part, titled "Life," was performed on Monday, April 14; the second part, "Liberty," was performed on Wednesday, April 16; and the final part, "Happiness," was performed on Friday, April 18.

"Life" called attention to the growing problem of Americans without health insurance; in the skit a man suffering from a heart attack couldn't be resuscitated by EMTs after they learned he did not have health insurance.

"Liberty" tackled immigration with a skit in which the students played a game of "red rover" based on race. The students spoke of racial stereotypes and prejudices that fuels the debate over immigration.

"Happiness" started with a politician campaigning for the position of chief alderman. When questioned about how he refuses to allow gay marriage in Illinois, an argument began which ended shockingly with the politician using an insulting homosexual slur.

The group of students did not attempt to acquire consent for performing to keep an element of surprise.

More than to simply further their political views, the students said they sought to inspire discussion and to force half-asleep students into thought.

"People are used to entertainment being in a specific place and being aware ahead of time. They want to be ready when they get distracted," said graduate theatre student Jared McDaris on why some people reacted so negatively to the skits.

Few of the students had experience in happenings or protests, but said they said they were all very pleased with the results.

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