SLUT THE PLAY to Hit the Road; Tour Dates in LA, NYC & Fargo Announced

After sold-out runs in New York City last fall, SLUT will be presented this spring in Los Angeles, Fargo, and New York City by Evenstar Productions and The Arts Effect. Praised as "hard-hitting" by the New York Post and "engrossing" by New York Magazine, the play was developed by The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company, winner of Most Outstanding Ensemble, New York International Fringe Festival; named BEST Youth Theater Group in NYC, Nickelodeon/MTV. SLUT delves deep into teen sexual assault, one of the most frightening and highly discussed topics in the news today.

On a cold night in New York City, Joey Del Marco puts on her favorite dress, her highest heels, and meets up with her oldest friends, George, Luke, and Tim, for a little pre-gaming. They play video games, dance, and down an entire bottle of Absolut. Everything is hazy fun, until they squeeze into the back of a cab... Inspired by experiences of the teen cast members, the critically acclaimed new play SLUT explores the sexual assault and shaming of a 16-year-old girl. Through Joey's story and those of girls in her community, witness the damaging effects of slut culture and the importance of being heard.

Last fall, performances of SLUT in New York culminated in an event at The New School called "StopSlut: A Conference on Sexuality, Bullying, and Rape." Expert panelists and teens discussed the pervasiveness of sexual violence and slut shaming, as well as the challenge of healthfully owning one's sexuality. Girls' Coalitions were created in over 25 high schools across the city, and each Coalition created their own unique approach to stop slut-shaming and sexual aggression. Examples of their work will be presented on May 10 before a performance of SLUT in New York.

This year, "SLUT: A Play and Guidebook for Combating Sexism and Sexual Violence" will be published by the Feminist Press. The book will feature the script of the play, thought-provoking essays from renowned writers, and real stories from real teens. The release date will be announced later this spring.

"We want audiences to experience what it's like for girls today as they walk that fine line between sexual expression and coming into their sexual selves, while also dealing with objectification and sexual shaming. We are determined 'to hold a mirror up to nature' - our societal nature - by exploring the community response to slut-bashing and sexual aggression, and the unfortunately common INACTION of bystanders." - Katie Cappiello & Meg McInerney, Directors of SLUT and Founders of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Co.

For showtimes, workshops and venue information visit sluttheplay.com