Alcorn students appreciate the “Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt” play

Alcorn students appreciate the “Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt” play

Alcorn students appreciate the “Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt” play

Alcorn State University students, faculty, staff and guests packed the Ballroom in the James. L. Bolden Campus Union October 24, 2012, to see the play “Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt” by Lance E. Brown of the Public Awareness Theatre.

“This production focused on one woman’s struggle with domestic violence on a college campus. There was also a segment that depicted violence between men,” said Lance Brown. “However, statistically, more women suffer from violent attacks by men in epic proportions.”

The Offices of Student Engagement and Student Activities collaborated to bring this much needed awareness to the student body.

“We want the students to understand that domestic violence in any situation is unacceptable,” stated Dr. Valerie Thompson, director of Student Engagement. “There are many students who have had abusive situations at home and this play is a way for us to let them know that they are not alone, and that we are here for them.”

Pavel Sarygin, a freshman majoring in business administration, shared, “The play was great and I learned so much from it.” Bronwyn Leeming, senior, majoring in English, added, “I appreciate this play being shown to us and think it’s important to illustrate to students what people have to go through when they are being abused and how to stand up for yourself.”

Public Awareness Theatre is a touring theatrical ministry based in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded in 1984. They have performed in over 38 states in a variety of forums including municipal auditoriums, college and university campuses, and for students in middle and high schools. Doctor Lance E. Brown, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the founder/owner of Public Awareness Theatre. He is the playwright, producer, and director of five successful touring stage productions. “The First Semester”, a story of five African-American students on a majority campus, who are faced with making choices, decisions, and the consequences, was performed at Alcorn during New Student Orientation in August, 2012.

Pictured: Cast of “Love Doens’t Have to Hurt”.