DATC Second Stage Presents SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT At Planet Ant

The Detroit Actor's Theatre Company proudly presents Speak Up, Speak Out: a sensory, spoken cabaret that gives insight into the culture, emotions and experiences of the #MeToo movement. The show, directed by Shannon Grant, will be performed at Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck on Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be sold online or at the door for $15. Speak Up, Speak Out will feature a talkback after each show and is partnering with Alternatives for Girls, a local organization that provides services and support for homeless and high-risk women.

Grant says the intimate nature of cabaret was an appealing structure for Speak Up, Speak Out. "Instead of using show numbers," she explains, "we have monologues, skits, movement, etc. to give us the ability to tell many different stories without having the formal structure of a play."

Activist Tarana Burke first used the phrase "Me Too" in 2006 to address and de-stigmatize the issue of sexual harassment and assault, and, to empower those who have experienced them. The phrase went viral in 2017 as #MeToo, thrusting an ongoing dialogue about sexual violence onto the world stage.

"The #MeToo movement is just one offshoot of the battles feminists have been fighting for centuries," Grant says. "I wanted to do this show because the movement has momentum in this moment. It is TIME! If we keep pushing and looking for answers and having conversations we CAN one day correct this injustice."

Ultimately, Grant wants Speak Up, Speak Out to start meaningful conversations. "The #MeToo movement is vast, and we can't recognize the problems if we aren't allowed or feel encouraged to talk about them," she says. "We want people to start speaking up so that we can have the conversations that will lead to the solutions. This show has not been created to shame or bash anyone or any group of people. We are here to empower and shine light on the darkness."

Speak Up, Speak Out

DATC Second Stage

http://www.thedatc.org/second-stage

Director: Shannon Grant (continued)

Friday, Aug. 10 + Saturday, Aug. 11

Showtime: 7:30 pm

Tickets: $15 at door or online @ thedatc.org

Planet Ant "Black Box" Theatre

2357 Caniff St. Hamtramck, Michigan