A GOOD DAY 2 PIE

The Brooklyn Culture Jammers will be performing at Brooklyn College next Saturday as part of the Brooklyn Peace Fair. Kathleen Stansell will be performing A GOOD DAY 2 PIE at 1:45 PM. This is a FREE EVENT.

A GOOD DAY 2 PIE is the story of Vandana, an activist with the Biotic Baking Brigade arrested for hitting the CEO of Monsanto with a pie in order to protest genetic modification of food. Vandana talks of a childhood spent in community life and activism, and explains that her action was undertaken because of the fact that ‘food is off limits’ to tinkering. Through it all, she uses the changes in food as metaphor for ‘bad magic’--those things in modern society that require faith in invisible actions. A GOOD DAY 2 PIE features Kathleen Stansell as the activist.

A GOOD DAY 2 PIE was originally produced at Kairos Theatre one-act festival in May of 1999. It has since been toured to college campuses and venues and has been performed some 30 times in support of green initiatives. This is a brand-new production of the play.

ABOUT BROOKLYN CULTURE JAMMERS: We are a collective of music, theatre and spoken word artists committed to the Occupy Wall Street movement. We embrace the challenge of changing the terms of convention and using our talents to confront the status quo.

ABOUT THE OCCUPY THE EMPIRE TOUR: the tour is a cultural outreach for talking about what change is possible in 21st century America. We are developing plays and dance and music pieces to call attention to the need for serious change in this country and this world.

For information about our tour, contact us at bkculturejammers@gmail.com.

M.O.V.E. - Grant's Safari

Last week I had the pleasure of witnessing Grant's Safari, from Javanna Productions, under the creative direction of Nicole Johnson. When it comes to the Safari you might imagine a ruthless world but in watching 'Grant's Safari', I had a very different experience. It's complexity was worth being taken on a journey through.

Nicole Johnson derived inspiration from her brother who is a member of the autistic community. She explained that there is no need to focus on the limitations of these individuals. They have many talents and aspirations. She tapped into her brothers driving force, which happens to be the Safari. Her brother, Grant Johnson can name more animals and facts about them than anyone she knows. This fascinating truth is why Nicole decided to collaborate with him to create 'Grant's Safari'.

You can follow Nicole Johnson's community efforts here: JPmove.webs.com!

ALLIANCE Art & Activism - Teaser

If you missed last night, don't fret. TONIGHT is our closing night and you can still get tickets HERE!

'ALLIANCE' Art & ActivismGET TICKETS NOW!

http://www.EnforcedArch.com/tickets/

Creative Directors, James Koroni & Tracey Katof

Vocal artist, Clara Lofaro

Photography by Joshua Katcher

Lighting by Amanda Clegg Lyon

Costume Design by Lui Konno

ALLIANCE: Part 4 - Alexandra Shieron

Alexandra Shieron is a gem. Her positive attitude, kind nature and professionalism are unwavering from the moment you meet her. Needless to say, her performance is full of charisma.

On April 6th and 7th, Enforced Arch is presenting their latest work, ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, which features past and current pieces by creative directors James Koroni and Tracey Katof. Alexandra Shieron is a member of this project and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join us on this adventure! After rehearsal this past week we had an opportunity to ask her a few questions…

How do you as an individual live the 'ALLIANCE' of Art & Activism?

I'm a firm believer in what you get out of life is what you put into it. I give myself energetically to whatever I believe in and treat the world around me how I want to be treated. So when I witness something that doesn't seem right I want to express how I feel and fix it immediately. Unfortunately, one person can't fix the world's problems so I do my own small part on a daily basis. Whether that's eating organically, helping a friend in need, volunteering or making people aware of issues that affect them. I love that my passion- dance- can help unite people to a greater cause.

What part of the rehearsal process or subject material did you find most inspiring?

My favorite part of this process is working in the studio with my fellow dancers figuring out all the nuances of the choreography and what drives the dance forward. What my intention is, how to portray it and really delving into the role. It's inspiring to see what comes from working and interacting with such talented dancers. Being in rehearsal with Enforced Arch is such a treat as the issues they bring forward with their movement are aligned with what I believe in and want to share.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

Living, dancing and performing in New York City is a very competitive, hectic scene. It's all too easy to forget why you dance, what you believe in and get caught up in the grind. Being able to dance in such a nurturing, caring environment with James and Tracey has really reminded me that dance (and life) is not just about tricks and flash but to move an audience in ways they don't normally experience. I want to continue on this path and use my art to inspire and educate people.

For TICKETS to ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, click here: EnforcedArch.com/tickets/

ALLIANCE: Part 1 – Lauren Cox ALLIANCE: Part 2 – Charles Alexis Desgagnes ALLIANCE: Part 3 – Katherine Roarty ALLIANCE: Part 4 – Alexandra Shieron ALLIANCE: Part 5 – Klara Beyeler ALLIANCE: Part 6 – Clara Lofaro ALLIANCE: Part 7 - Julio Hugo Penagos

Grant's Safari

'Grant's Safari' is a multi media movement performance presented by Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism (M4A). For the launching of Autism awareness month, Javanna Productions' dancers will use movement to explore the mind of an autistic child. In 2005, Grant Johnson was diagnosed with Autism. Mover Nicole Johnson (19), Choreographer and Creative Director, is using the fascinating elements of her brother's disability to create a one hour hip-hop and contemporary movement piece. Despite his disorder, Grant Johnson (12) has a profound talent for naming and recognizing wild and exotic animals. Therefore, 'Grant's Safari' will be narrated by Grant Johnson himself.

On March 31st the dancers will serve as Grant's safari and he will serve as the audience's guide. The proceeds of this event will be donated to Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community). President of Autism Speaks, Mark Roithmayr and general manager of QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community) Jason B. Schmidt, are proud supporters of these teen dancers and their past socially responsible performances.

Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism was established in New York city by choreographer and NYU sophomore Nicole Javanna Johnson. In efforts to raise funds and awareness for her brother's disability, Nicole Johnson produced the first of many M.O.V.E. For Autism Showcases in the Spring of 2009. Since then, the company has raised over $15,000 for larger non-profit organizations such as Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community).

Nicole Johnson seeks to call attention to the fascinating abilities of autistic individuals and demonstrate that autism is not something to be afraid of, but something to be inspired by. The movement piece is being performed by dancers from Canada, Bolivia, Spain, France and the US. All of these dancers were selected from Broadway Dance Center's Training Program. This international group of dancers are launching Autism Awareness Month in a way unlike any other dance company.

'Grant's Safari' March 31st at 7:00 P.M. Professional Performing Arts School 328 West 48th St New York, NY $20.00 Admission

For more information click HERE!

Dance 4 Oceans

Dance 4 Oceans is an environmental nonprofit group that raises public awareness about one of the most serious environmental issues, plastic pollution in the ocean.

Much like Enforced Arch they utilize dance as a means to spread awareness. They do this by reaching out to different communities or schools and invite them to create programs where the participants learn dances and make recycled crafts. During all the fun activities they also clean local beaches, host educational movie screenings and listen to easy to understand speeches about plastic pollution.

Their programs will inspire and support people to take personal responsibility by keeping our environment safe and healthy. They show people what hidden damages have been done in the ocean from plastic pollution. They educate adults and children how to reduce plastic trash from their residence and community.

Their ultimate goal is to create a leader in each community or school that is dedicated to propelling their programs forward and inspire new leaders to come.

Become a fan of their Facebook page HERE!

Fight for the Future

Tell Congress not to censor the internet NOW! - fightforthefuture.org/pipa

PROTECT-IP is a bill that has been introduced in the Senate and the House and is moving quickly through Congress. It gives the government and corporations the ability to censor the net, in the name of protecting "creativity". The law would let the government or corporations censor entire sites-- they just have to convince a judge that the site is "dedicated to copyright infringement."

The government has already wrongly shut down sites without any recourse to the site owner. Under this bill, sharing a video with anything copyrighted in it, or what sites like Youtube and Twitter do, would be considered illegal behavior according to this bill.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill would cost us $47 million tax dollars a year — that's for a fix that won't work, disrupts the internet, stifles innovation, shuts out diverse voices, and censors the internet. This bill is bad for creativity and does not protect your rights.

A few of the many:

WIKIPEDIA

GOOGLE

CRAIGSLIST

THE DISCERNING BRUTE

MOVEATHON

Mover, Nicole Johnson is holding a MOVEATHON this weekend in support of rural Cambodia. If you haven't heard of her organization, Javanna Productions, it is a student driven non-profit organization which presents a yearly effort entitled M.O.V.E (Motivation Opportunity Vision Entertainment).  In this effort, preteens, teenagers and young adults are encouraged to be productive, creative and develop a stronger sense of community within their neighborhoods while raising funds for a cause. This year's effort is titled M.O.V.E for Cambodia. They are working with the Bernie Krisher Rural School Project Foundation to build a school in Cambodia. This project is inspired by Sheryl WuDunn's and Nicholas Kristof's novel "Half The Sky", a moving novel about women turning oppression into opportunity.  The accounts and stories of young people described in this book inspired this team of M.O.V.E. representatives to get a move on. Help them as they begin to use their craft to create opportunities for children all over the world. By donating to Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. for Cambodia, you will contribute to making a difference in someone's life , in your own life, in your community, in your city, in your state, in this nation, and in this world. They hold at least one event a month; spoken word nights, musical theater comedy sketches, open mic nights, choreography showcases, visual art galleries, parties, classes, workshops, etc.  In order to get on the road to Cambodia and reach their ultimate goal of $20,000, they need financial support to rent studios, theaters, event spaces and meet their technical support and transportation needs.

This  year's effort requires the members to learn about East Asian culture post regime. With that knowledge, they are encouraged to use their craft to raise funds for the school in Cambodia and awareness for the cause. The members are sympathetic, reverent, understanding young citizens of a global community and continue to gain a greater awareness and respect of the world with each artistic experience. In addition to donating to the school abroad, you are donating to the empowerment of a large community of artistic kids in New York City.  Any donation, big or small is greatly appreciated. Their generation can make a difference in the way we give back to our communities on both a global and national scale, but they need your help in doing so.

Check out their M.O.V.E. For Cambodia page & make a donation HERE!

Occupy Grand Army Plaza

Art by C.Martinez

Enforced Arch community is pleased to introduce you to Kathleen Stansell! Her effort entitled Occupy Grand Army Plaza is part of her company "Move for Change." She invites the dance community and supporters of this Movement to use their voices to support Occupy Wall St.

A statement from Kathleen Stansell:

Many have been saying, "Those people at Occupy Wall Street don't know what they stand for," which is just not true! If you ask anyone at Zuccotti Park, they'll tell you exactly why they're there. To save you the time and trip, I'll tell you. Occupy Wall Street is a movement inspired by our unjust and selfish government. Yes the banks are at fault. Yes the politicians are at fault. Yes greed is to blame. There are many to blame. But the truth is WE THE PEOPLE allowed this to happen. We accepted, for whatever reason, everything that's happened and has been happening. So first, the change must happen within ourselves. We must fight greed within ourselves. I ask myself, "Do I need that iPod or do I need to buy the food that is more expensive but better for my health? The LATTER! Do I need that extra pair of shoes, or do I need to donate that $60 to a homeless shelter." Occupy Wall Street is about standing together, in solidarity to help the people who live with us, next to us, far away from us, and everywhere. So please, if you don't help me, help that homeless shelter. If you don't help me, help companies like Reciprocity. If you don't help me, help yourself.

Please join us this Saturday at Grand Army Plaza, enjoy the performances and make donations for Occupy Wall Street in the form of food, clothing, blankets, hand warmers, warm clothing, first aid supplies, literature-both books and OWS literature such as information about credit unions, etc. Details:

DATE: Saturday, October 29th COMPANY: Move for Change EXEC. PRODUCER & CREATIVE DIR.: Kathleen Stansell LOCATION: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY TIME: Noon - Midnight ADMISSION: Free!

PURPLE

Thursday, October 20, 2011

In honor of “Spirit Day” IT GETS BETTER is  encouraging their hundreds of thousands of supporters online—like you—to join the millions wearing purple in support of LGBT youth. (source)

Stand with LGBT youth by wearing purple for Spirit Day on Thursday, October 20, 2011 then spread the word by emailing your friends, tweeting about #SpiritDay and posting to facebook.

What is Spirit Day? (via GLAAD)

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20.

For more information about Spirit Day and what you can do online, visit http://www.glaad.org/spiritday.

Love Art Japan

DoubleTake Dance in association with the Peridance Capezio Center proudly present LOVE ART JAPAN, a show to raise funds for Japan.

Life Skills Through Dance, Part 1: Intro

Samantha Yu embodies the power and beauty of dance. She sees beyond social boundaries and creates opportunities to inspire others. This past summer she spent her time teaching in a rural village south of Chennai as a volunteer for Promethean Spark. Promethean Spark, in conjunction with Rising Star Outreach, helps individuals who have, and are affected by, leprosy by providing opportunities for education and offering medical treatment. As a temporary faculty member of the Perry School for Rising Stars, she lead leprosy affected children through a series of dance warm-ups and exercises in order to teach them important life lessons. She gives an example, A lesson in spotting quickly turns into a lesson in keeping your eye on your goal. Stretching every day translates into working on big projects a little bit at a time.

In addition to teaching these important lessons she entered two leprosy colonies in order to introduce movement therapy programs to those who have been shunned and neglected for most of their lives.

More to come...

Follow her experiences here: SammDances.tumblr

Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lauren Cox danced in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse. How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I believe just the existence of this play and the fact that survivors are speaking loudly about this issue sends a positive message to those suffering from childhood sexual abuse.   If those same people could see the triumph of Rich's journey it would offer more than hope but a doorway into the survival community, a community which offers support and guidance through the healing process.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

I played a sort of bad influence on Rich for most of the play, accompanying him on his drug trips, which was something completely new for me.  We were all called upon to actually feel what drugs offer, a sense of relief from such deep pain and rage, and through that process I understood just a bit about what was stolen from children and adults suffering from this abuse.  It is a heavy, unbearable and self loathing entity, something that eats away at your mental stability and growth leaving you to constantly question yourself.  It was amazing to be able to speak openly with the survivors about their attackers, processes of healing and strength.  I performed with and for them every show and we should all celebrate their resilience.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

Speak up because you never know who you will inspire!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

Keep Breathing

Andrea Torres choreographed 'Keep Breathing' on a group of talented dancers including herself, Joan Heeringa, Klara Beyeler, Paulette Lewis and Stephanie Bissonnette. They performed it at the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia Gala in NYC. This event focuses it's efforts on raising money to build a new school in Cambodia and bring awareness to current issues surrounding sex trafficking and drug addiction. 'Keep Breathing' symbolizes the pain and suffering these victims goes through but then shows that with a helping hand, like the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia benefit, together we can develop ways to end their suffering.

M.O.V.E. Summer Gala

Compassionate Mover, Nicole Johnson is the creative director of Javanna Productions, a non-profit organization that from 2010-2011 has hosted the effort 'M.O.V.E. For Cambodia.' In the past 8 months they have held 20 events, including spoken word nights, coffee house series events, movement classes, parties, large and small scale performances, workshops, discussion groups, visual art presentations, etc. Now on July 18th at the Connelly Theater they're bringing everyone together for a reflection of their past efforts and to see how they can complete their goal of raising $20,000 by September 2011. This money will go towards opening a school in a Cambodian Village and will mark the end of their journey as a national team of compassionate 'Movers.' Join them at the Connelly Theater for a night of food, entertainment and fundraising. Including visual art, a photo gallery, short film screening, M.O.V.E. showcase, and food!

To make a donation click here. For tickets to the M.O.V.E. Summer Gala click here!

Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

  Mover, James Koroni, danced and portrayed the role of Teenage Rich in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here he shares his feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue offers victims a glimpse into the story of recovery. The predators only evil power is secrecy, which leaves a feeling of shame in their victims. Lemon Meringue breaks the silence. It makes childhood sexual abuse a topic that isn't so taboo and helps our community explore ways to make victims comfortable with sharing their secret. Then when they need us, we will be ready to nurture them through recovery.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

Teenage Rich, was a bridge between the adult and the inner child. One rehearsal with the Director, Terri Muuss, was exceptionally powerful because I was able to reintroduce them on stage. Both Adult and Young Rich felt closer to Teenage Rich than one another. I was there as a confidant and emotional support in that scene when they finally met one another. Metaphorically, I want to be available to play this role for friends or family that may have gone through this in their own lives but this time help them bridge the gap between the victim and the survivor.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that sexual predators may not be the stranger in the park but is more often the person who takes your child to the park. This doesn't mean you need to fear every caretaker in their life. There are ways to protect your children from predators. Teach them to trust their instincts, help them understand what is a good secret and what is a bad secret and don't feel bad about what inquiries you may have. You know your child more than anyone else.

I'd like to thank Terri Muuss, Rich Ryan, Athena Reich, Rhett Hackett and Keith Smith for sharing their stories with me and helping me be a better tool in liberating other victims. I love you all dearly and look forward to working with you again in the future!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof

Compassionate Mover, Tracey Katof is not only the choreographer but also a dancer in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I hope that those who have been victims of sexual abuse will see Lemon Meringue and find some comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones and that there is help available.

What was the most difficult part of RICH’s story in Lemon Meringue to choreograph and why? (Considering you needed to explore the emotional turmoil of his process)

Depicting substance abuse was challenging because I had to consider why one would turn to it in the first place. Imagine that someone spirals into this cycle of drug use seeking peace, only to feel temporary false hope and then realize that the drugs cause them more pain.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned about the process of recovery. The pathway may seem overwhelming and challenging at times but recovery is possible and worth the journey.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton

Carly Fox Horton, a dancer from the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue, shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue can inspire other victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek healing and to believe that they have the power to live free from their past. I hope they can find encouragement from relating to Rich's journey.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

The most important part of the rehearsal process for me was the time that we took to sit down and talk with the people in cast who are survivors. Hearing from their own mouths what had happened to them, what it had done to their emotional, spiritual, and physical being, and then how they were able to pull themselves out of victim-hood to become survivors was truly remarkable and inspirational. These conversations also led to many sleepless nights as I wrestled with the knowledge of the great evil that had been done to these people and many other people in my life that are dear to me. Although it may be uncomfortable to face these demons, it is essential for healing and the prevention of future abuse.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that, whether you are aware of it or not, everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse. The psychological component of this type of abuse causes victims to think and believe things that make it very difficult to seek help, and many victims do not have a loved one that they can trust. Victims often find that when they attempt to confide in someone, that confidant actually makes the situation worse by having an inappropriate reaction. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of sexual abuse so that we all can give knowledgeable and loving support to the people in our lives who have been affected by it.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Be the One

I'll never see what you wanted... love The earth created life for unknown reasons but life is positive and the only known reason is “love.”

I was the hell that you needed... oh Our existing assumptions for life lead to the planets very downfall. We exploit natural resources and deplete the planet of what life bearing properties it had.

I was the one when you needed love I was the one when you needed love Finally the earth speaks up but not to destroy us. The earth repeatedly sends signs that only conscientious love & compassion for the earth will sustain life. A cycle of outcries in the form of natural disasters, war, famine & global warming communicates that we will return to our “mother” whether it be through tender love or instant death. We are dependent and yet, ignorant of our downfall. We need to re-identify with our “creator” or our life support and respect it’s wishes before we fulfill our own. Either way will sacrifice something. What’s worth more, Strife or Life?

song: 'Be the One' BY MOBY

choreography: JAMES KORONI TRACEY KATOF

dancers: JAMES KORONI LAUREN COX SCOTT HAMILTON TRACEY KATOF

video production: JOSHUA KATCHER perhapsmedia.net/

Please, Don't Touch

Distance from home can be frightening considering culture shock, facing strangers or the potential of getting lost in a new land. I don’t feel this way however, I find myself inspired and excited to explore endless possibilities. Throwing myself into the fire lifts what impression of the world I may have had. We tend to seek commonalities in relationships with other people before we can relate but by releasing that need for a cultural comfort zone, you create more acceptance. In this I see beyond my own experiences and expand my capacity to be compassionate towards others.I hope to travel the world one day and share my "voice" with others. This past weekend I traveled south a few hours to our nations capitol, Washington D.C., for the Annual Anti-Fur Society Conference. I was accompanied by Lauren Cox, a professional dancer from San Francisco. She comes from a much different upbringing than myself but somehow we both dance with compassion and understanding. Our artistic journey may not end in the same place but for this past weekend our path was from New York City to Washington D.C., a big adventure for open minds and open hearts on open roads.An art initiative online called PINNACLE Reinvent The Icon, encourages artists to utilize their talents to make a statement against Fur. Fur bearing animals live terrifying lives while enduring a great deal of suffering and all for human vanity! After doing my research I felt compelled to create a piece that brings forth their perspective. Hopefully in turn providing a voice for the voiceless.The piece was inspired by Satyrs, a popular character within Greek Mythology, often portrayed as half man and half goat. These creatures live jovial lives, love to dance, play music and enjoy sexual encounters all making them innately free spirited. I imagine any living being would wish to live their lives this way. I contacted Marlena Pavich, a compassionate costume designer and film stylist, to create the anti-fur pants that would simulate the half goat element of our character. Using all recycled vegan materials, she constructed the most brilliant interpretation of a Satyr I could have ever imagined!As we walked on stage you could hear clinking silverware and people boasting about the bread sticks. The room was silenced by our focus, intention and powerful advocacy. The music began, our bodies shivered and the story was told.Taking a moment to realize our experience here on this planet is blind to suffering, society shelters us from these issues because it wants us to stay ignorant to what suffering exists. With information compassionate people take action and this isn’t what the Fur industry wants. “We must be the rebel, and reclaim our position of being the visionary. The fashion industry poses in rebel iconography, when they are the conformist selling out to the fur trade”, said Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com. They have no right to treat animals as painless, lifeless creatures meant for luxury, vanity or power. My anti-fur piece entitled “Please, Don’t Touch” will release in late July of 2011.