As the inevitable gray clouds roll into the office this upcoming Monday, it suffices to say there are a lot of feelings going around. In particular, feelings of distress and dread, especially in marginalized communities. With the constant hostile rhetoric coming from all directions, the general sense of anxiety and loss of control has been floating about more than usual.
But do not despair, dear one! The moment the oppressor makes you feel powerless, they have won! Here some small acts of activism/ community engagement to boost the needed support for yourself and others. This list includes some local Denver events and beyond.
Hopefully you can find something that gives you the strength to stay resilient during this trying time.
The Time is Always Right
At Gordon Gamm Theater, Boulder CO | January 19th 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Do not forget that January 20th is also, and more importantly, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day! Join BETC on the 19th to honor the brilliance and sacrifices of Dr. King and his fellow Civil Rights leaders.
Tickets range from $15-$50 (let’s just say we are all students going to see this show; you dig?)
A performance of music, dance, and spoken word, this unique collaboration between the Boulder Philharmonic and the Boulder Ballet will surely make this a magical performance to remember. If you feel like spending a little more, celebrate MLK on the 19th with Dairy Arts Center.
JAN 20TH
Inauguration Resistance Jam
At Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center | Monday Jan 20th, 4:00-7:00 PM
Su Teatro is hosting its third-ever Inauguration Resistance Jam! This relatively new tradition started in 2017 when Trump’s administration first took office and continued virtually in 2021 as a symbol of community support instead of resistance. Now, for the third time, it represents of both.
Su Teatro has served the Denver community for over 50 years- amplifying and
empowering Chicano/Latino people and culture through theatre arts activism. This event is true to Su Teatro’s nature, it’s all about the community! Su Teatro invites musicians to bring their instruments for jamming and artists to share poetry and/or stories. If you resonate with this call to
community, come out to Santa Fe Drive and meet new people, enjoy music, food, poetry, art, and more, ALL FOR FREE! I know I’ll be there!
Play Date: Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.
At Hope Tank Denver | Monday Jan 20th 7:30-10:00 PM
The Moot Point Project is a theatre company endeavoring to bring absurd and experimental theatre to Denver. After a successful December Play Date launch (very similar to a book club), they are hosting a special reading of the iconic feminist experimental piece, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again by
Alice Birch. The goal of the Play Date is to participate or listen to a relaxed reading of the play and then dive into a discussion about the topics brought up in said play– All while building a community of like-minded individuals. Fittingly, the play picked for the 20th has been
described “as a play that does not behave,” a play that screams to resist current patriarchal structures while energizing a feeling to revolt and revolution the current systems in place, especially with the threat of even more oppressive restriction coming with this new administration.
If you want to let your inner theatre kid run free, bring a device you can read on (a PDF of the play will be shared) and yourself for an exciting time! This is a FREE EVENT– but snacks will be available on a donation base, so bring cash or alternatively have a Venmo.
WHENEVER!
Comedy Therapy With Comedy As Therapy
Denver CO, https://www.comedyistherapy.com/
Yes, this is as awesome as it sounds. If the winter cold is too severe this weekend or you want to explore alternative support options, I highly recommend Comedy Therapy; after all, laughter is the best medicine!
Last year, I had the privilege of attending a mindfulness improv. workshop hosted by Rise Comedy and taught by the exquisite Shelsea Ochoa, who led
the class through a series of improv. exercises that doubled as mindfulness practices. They helped us get into our bodies and out of our worries. This was an incredibly unique experience; the atmosphere of working with a group felt surprisingly supportive, and the workshop left me with mindful tools I use in and out of my theatre practice today. Comedy As Therapy provides various play therapy options, and you can choose your best fit by visiting their website for more information.
If there is ever another improv. & mindfulness workshop– count me in!!
Please ensure that none of these events have been postponed or canceled due to the extreme forecasted cold, by checking social media and such day of!
Starting small is still starting somewhere, so enjoy the cold weather this weekend and fight the good fight by supporting local arts while treating yourself to enriching community socialization. The outlet the arts provide is synonymous with healing for the community.
Because even in uncertain and scary times, it’s essential to know you are not alone in this.
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