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September
6, 2007- Dallas : "In August 2006 while in Kigali Rwanda
on a human rights trip led by Dr. Rick Halperin, Director,
SMU Human Rights Education Program and Chair, Board of Directors,
Amnesty International USA, I witnessed a theatre production
called Truth in Translation that was performing during a festival
in Rwanda," said Lauren Embrey, president, Embrey Family
Foundation. "After seeing this production, I knew we
needed to bring it to Dallas."
And
so began her quest resulting in the U.S. premiere of the Truth
in Translation Project in Dallas, September 6 through 8, 2007
as it kicks off its U.S. tour with four performances at Southern
Methodist University's Bob Hope Theatre.
Briefly,
Truth in Translation is a dramatization, told both as a play
and in music, about South Africa during the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC), when translators (the subjects of this re-enactment)
of the 11 African languages translated the testimony of the
genocide perpetrators as they spoke about the crimes they committed,
the testimony of the victims as they spoke about their loved
ones killed, the translators' and community's experience and
ultimately, the healing that results from truthful communication.
The entire presentation is extremely moving and profound. As
Truth in Translation proposes: Can we forgive the past to survive
the future - the role of art in perception-shifting.
The
Truth in Translation Project is a pilgrimage of these South
African actors to international conflict zones to tell the story
of how the people of South Africa made a small evolutionary
leap to heal their country. This stage production, which is
the catalyst for an international series of civil society workshops
and a forthcoming documentary film, takes place in that flash
of time.
"Our
foundation's goal for this unique event is to bring people together
from across the community to foster discussion and understanding,"
Ms. Embrey said. The Embrey Family Foundation dedicates its
resources to human rights, the environment, education and human
services. It works to foster the well-being of all people through
programs addressing poverty, violence, education, creativity
and community enhancement.
"We
are proud to partner with the Embrey Family Foundation to bring
this extraordinary theatre production to our great city of Dallas.
This is a wonderful example of how artists can inspire change
and make a difference by imagining new beginnings and new model."
- Dr. José Antonio Bowen, Dean, SMU Meadows School
of the Arts
"There is no such thing as a lesser person. All people
merit dignity, humanity and respect. The Truth in Translation
Project focuses on reconciliation, forgiveness and healing.
This is a unique way to communicate the fundamental principles
of human rights."
- Dr. Rick Halperin, director, SMU Human Rights Education
Program
Chair, Board of Directors, Amnesty International USA
United
States Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson:
"Truth in Translation" is an important work for
anyone who shares my passion for promoting peace," said
Congresswoman Johnson. "This play's themes of reconciliation
and forgiveness are integral to the continuing struggle for
peace throughout the world. South Africa's efforts to heal from
Apartheid are an example for regions in conflict all over the
world. It makes sense, then, to take this message of hope to
areas like Rwanda and Northern Ireland, where people are struggling
to heal after strife. It is also helpful for the rest of us
to apply its lessons to smaller scale conflicts and personal
struggles in our lives.
"I
am pleased that my neighbors in Dallas will have the opportunity
to share in this experience and learn from the courage of fellow
citizens of the world," she added.
SMU:
A private university located in the heart of Dallas, SMU is
building on the
vision of its founders, who imagined a distinguished center
for learning
emerging from the spirit of the city. Today, 11,000 students
benefit from
the national opportunities and international reach afforded
by the quality
of SMU's seven degree-granting schools.
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