Interview: The T.R.U.T.H. Project CEO Kevin Anderson Talks RISE ABOVE: A STORY OF HOPE

Today Broadway World talks to Kevin Anderson, the CEO and founder of The T.R.U.T.H. Project, Inc., which presents RISE ABOVE: A STORY OF HOPE today at The MATCH. The T.R.U.T.H Project (Telling Real Unapologetic Truths through Healing) utilizes the arts to promote mental, emotional and sexual health in LGBTQ communities of color. Anderson discusses the origin of today's events, which feature multiple artistic performances about surviving abuse; the goals of The T.R.U.T.H. Project; and the limits of art.

BWW: The T.R.U.T.H. Project consistently offers free programming to the public - the recent ARTivism and Break the Stigma community discussions come to mind, and Dear HIV/AIDS, which was so successful you staged an encore earlier this year. How do you decide which topics to tackle and when?

Kevin Anderson: Over the years The T.R.U.T.H. Project (TTP) has addressed subject matter such as bullying, mental health, self-esteem, coming out, HIV/AIDS awareness and value. TTP has a Community Advisory Board that provides feedback of community needs and often I engage in conversations that have recurring themes. Our HIV/AIDS awareness installment happens annually around World AIDS Day creating a space that provides free HIV testing and builds awareness about HIV and how lives are affected.

BWW: What was the inception of this weekend's RISE ABOVE: A STORY OF HOPE?

Kevin Anderson: Since TTP's inception I have desired to address abuse with an emphasis on sexual abuse. As a survivor of sexual abuse myself, I have had many conversations with friends and associates throughout the years and often during those conversations I am reminded of the stigma and shame that still continues to linger. It was during a very emotionally vulnerable part of my life that a friend shared the work of Steve Connell's ANGEL RISING that I understood the time was now to address this topic through TTP.

BWW: RISE ABOVE: A STORY OF HOPE is described as "a multidisciplinary social art experience." What can the audience expect to see?

Kevin Anderson: TTP utilizes various art forms such as spoken word, dance, singing and visual art to discuss and address social issues that often plague our community. My goal is to educate and raise awareness within the audience through these art forms and tell a story that many will be able to connect with. This installment will not only focus on abuse but will put the audience face to face with artist that will share their story and the story of many others.

BWW: There will be talkbacks, and you often have talkbacks after performances. What does the talkback add to the overall experience?

Kevin Anderson: The talkback allows the artist and audience to connect beyond the stage. During the talkback the artist is afforded the opportunity to discuss their process and often disclose personal stories of why they connect with the subject matter. The talkback experience creates a deeper sense of awareness.

BWW: You've been living in Houston for over 15 years now, and you founded The T.R.U.T.H. Project five years ago, in 2011. What did you see, or what didn't you see, in Houston that inspired you to start The T.R.U.T.H. Project?

Kevin Anderson: For the last 8 years I have curate and hosted a monthly art showcase titled heART&SOUL. It was at heART&SOUL that I begin to experience artists sharing personal stories of abuse, depression, hurt and pains. I desired to create a space that allowed artists to heal through their work in hopes of those experiencing their art to also heal and begin doing the work to enrich their lives. TTP target LGBTQ communities of color and their allies because I continue to see and experience spaces that don't consider or focus on the needs of LGBTQ communities of color

BWW: What is art capable of? What do you think the limits are?

Kevin Anderson: The limits of art are limitless. Art allows the opportunity to experience a universal language. Art is capable of telling a visual story that often transcends language. Art heals!

RISE ABOVE: A STORY OF HOPE is today, Saturday, September 10 at 3:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m. at The MATCH, 3400 Main Street. For more information, visit http://www.truthprojecthtx.org. The event is free. To register, call 713-521-4533 or visit http://www.matchouston.org.