Wednesday, September 16
9:00–9:20 a.m.
Welcome Ceremony
Savage Theater and Communication Building
Katherine Conway-Turner, president of Buffalo State College, and Drew Kahn, professor of theater and director of the Anne Frank Project
9:20–10:50 a.m.
Jasmine Mans (Newark, New Jersey)
Savage Theater and Communication Building
Using storytelling as a catalyst medium, Jasmine Mans will draw on her own original poetry to approach both the internal and interpersonal dialogue surrounding aspects of society and identity. Following the metaphoric devices of Melissa Harris-Perry and W. E. B. Du Bois, Mans will discuss the “Crooked Room Theory,” “Controlled Narrative,” and “Wearing the Mask.” She will also discuss how such ideologies are still used today as navigation tools for people of color and oppressed groups alike. Using poetry to approach such issues affords all participating individuals a vocabulary for “idea,” “trauma,” and “experience.” Most importantly, Mans and scholars will discuss how we can develop (personal and powerful) “voice” in a world of chaos.
Terminology for scholars: Crooked Room Theory, the Mask, and Controlled Narrative
Tools scholars will need: pen, paper, smartphone (Internet access)
3:05–4:15 p.m.
Mirror/Rorrim
Savage Theater and Communication Building
Mirror/Rorrim is the latest original play created by SUNY Buffalo State/Anne Frank Project students. Following their trip to Rwanda in January 2015, 12 students processed their experience through the creation of a new play: inspired in Rwanda, developed at Buffalo State, delivered to local Buffalo schools (fall 2015). Mirror/Rorrim follows Anna, a teenage girl who is filled with self-hate and personal judgment. She is pulled into a fantastic journey that reveals her inner secrets and leads her to learning to love her story. The 40-minute performance will be followed by a 40-minute workshop activating the lessons of the play.
7:15–9:00 p.m.
Pieces of Me
Mykel Dicus (New York City)
Savage Theater and Communication Building
A 50-minute musical journey of "Oh, sh*t moments," and how one man powerfully dealt with what life threw his way: thirty-five roommates in a one-bedroom railroad apartment, humorous stories, and an assault that nearly ended his life. A show that is committed to transform people’s lives who live in the world as victims. Laughter, life, and ultimate triumph.
Thursday, September 17
9:00–10:00 a.m.
Elle: The Wished-For Girl
Michelle Costa (Buffalo, New York)
Savage Theater and Communication Building
Mask, movement, scrolling, and painted imagery tell the story of a “wished-for” girl. Elle is unlike anything else in this world—but she is greatly loved. When all seems lost and forgotten, it is the memory of love that restores her. Post-performance, participants will consider what makes "me" unlike anything else in this world and, more importantly, what thought, word, or wish we might give to another to validate and sustain them.
3:05–4:20 p.m.
The Many Faces of Anne Frank
Sophia Veffer and Drew Kahn
Savage Theater and Communication Building
The play Compulsion focuses on Sid Silver (modeled on writer Meyer Levin), whose obsession with Anne Frank drives the story. Having read her diary in France after World War II, Levin lobbied to have the diary published in the United States, wrote a New York Times review that helped make it a best seller, and adapted it for the stage. His play was passed over by Broadway producers (and Otto Frank) in favor of a softer, more sentimental version that kept Levin in loud litigation for many years to come; passion turned obsession.
This session will feature live performances of several scenes from the play. The audience will analyze firsthand the treatment of Anne Frank’s identity throughout the scenes in a brief guided discussion. Directly following this discussion, audience members will have the opportunity to ask Holocaust survivor Sophia Veffer the difficult questions the play presents: What ethical dilemmas surface when presented with alternative identities? How do we remember Anne Frank? What would she think of this play?
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Artist reception, celebrating works by Stitch Buffalo: A Refugee Woman’s Workshop
Co-directors Dawne Hoeg, lecturer of design, and Shelby Deck; and Eyes of Others, Molly Bader, Buffalo State student
Upton Hall galleries
7:15–9:00 p.m.
In Search of a Nation
Nepali-Bhutanese documentary and meditation session
Campbell Student Union Social Hall
The documentary In Search of a Nation is the true story of an ethnic population of 120,000 Bhutanese refugees who have resettled in eight countries over the past seven years. They have lived more than two decades in exile in Nepal. Some are still struggling in the refugee camps in Nepal. Some are on their way to find permanent homes in the West. This film reflects the true identity of the population as the Bhutanese-Nepali-speaking ethnic group who have struggled for two decades for repatriation but failed several times. They finally opted for third-country resettlement, seeking permanent homes, identity, inclusion, opportunity, hopes and dreams, and above all, to feel human, with great respect and dignity. The film will be followed by a Reiki meditation for love and compassion, world peace, mindfulness, and oneness (15-20 minutes).
Download the AFP 2015 app to check in and view details (iPhone/Android/HTML web view).
View the AFP 2015 program (PDF)
Visit the AFP website.
