News & Press Releases
I AM YOU -- Stone Belt Monologue Performance
November 24, 2008
7 pm at Bloomington Playwrights Projects (107 West Ninth Street, Bloomington) www.newplays.org
Tickets are $10 and available at the Sunrise Box Office and online at www.bloomingtonarts.info
For more information, contact 812-332-2168 / development@stonebelt.org
Stone Belt, in partnership with the Bloomington Playwrights Project, will present “I Am You,” monologues written and performed by individuals with disabilities, on Monday, November 24 at 7 p.m. at the Bloomington Playwrights Project (107 W. Ninth Street, Bloomington). Tickets for the event are $10, available at the Sunrise Box Office and online at www.bloomingtonarts.info.
The evening will feature monologues written over the course of the past year by nine Stone Belt clients under the supervision of Michelle Davenport, an IU Senior who has volunteered many hours creating and preparing this project. The monologues are written in a variety of formats; one is a song, another is a letter and others biographical stories about their lives.
The entire evening will showcase the abilities of Stone Belt’s clients. In addition to the monologue performance, Stone Belt client Mark Summitt will play piano for opening music while individuals with disabilities serve as ushers to help seat attendees. The Stone Belt cooking class is catering the post-show reception. A display of Stone Belt Art & Craft client-created mosaics will also be on display.
Leslie Green, Stone Belt CEO explains, “Theater is such a powerful form of expression for our clients. This wonderful outlet is helping our clients see past their disabilities and embrace their abilities. This performance also gives the community insight into individuals with disabilities’ thoughts, hopes and dreams and allows them to see what we see every day at Stone Belt.”
Stone Belt is a not-for-profit organization that provides education and support for individuals with disabilities. Established in 1958, we are the oldest and largest agency of our kind in south central Indiana. We offer educational, residential, employment support and clinical and health services for over 1,300 clients in Monroe, Lawrence, Owen, Bartholomew, and surrounding counties. It is our mission, in partnership with the community, to prepare, empower and support persons with developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the life of the community.
The Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP) is a nonprofit theatre company that strives to be a leading artistic force in the production and encouragement of new American plays and playwrights. The BPP provides opportunities for development, education, and production for promising and established writers and theatre artists in a professional atmosphere.
About the Producer: Michelle Davenport
Michelle Davenport, an IU Senior majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and minoring in Theater, came to Stone Belt to volunteer on the advice of a friend. Her vision was to organize a drama presentation by Stone Belt clients for the public. A year later, her vision is becoming reality.
She first started working with client Joy McCune on writing her biography and quickly realized how great Joy was at telling stories. After some time, she had the idea of gathering a few more clients to prepare monologues and perform them for the community. She started work on this project immediately; volunteering 3 days a week helping clients perfect their stories. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Davenport is her drive. She is not preparing a class project or receiving class credit, she simply wants to coordinate this event. "The project means so much to me. I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to be a part of their lives."
Davenport received special recognition by the City of Bloomington Council on Community Accessibility for her work on this project. She also received the Volunteer of the Year award at Stone Belt’s Annual Celebration.
Performances and Excerpts
Independence Means by Frank Porter
“Independence means being Frank Porter. Frank Porter means business. Independence means getting a job; it’s important because I feel valued. I want to work because everyone else works and I want to do what other people do because I can.”
Speaking Non-Verbally by Shirley Freeman
“Often people treat me as though I have a mental disability because I am non-verbal and they automatically believe I have a low IQ. This does not limit me and I believe this is a disability of our society. I have the intelligence to accomplish whatever tasks I set my mind to.”
Art is Love by Billy Setser
I started drawing in middle school as a way to express my feelings. It was a way to get away from others and break into fantasy. A lot of people were challenging me because of my disability, so fantasy was the only way out of the drama.”
Love Wins by Steven Rock
“I’ve got something to say about a special person in my life. Her name is Robbie Denning. She is a good person to hang out with. She’s a good girl with a beautiful heart. I knew from the first time that I met her she was special…love is important because it make me happy to be loved on.”
Trust by Joy McCune
“No matter how bad your path has been, trust in God, to win. When I couldn’t talk to anyone, I took it to God who understood… Go out and trust and get closer to God by getting in a flower field, trees or sunshine. I don’t know about you, but I feel closer to God outside.”
A Happy Guy in a Happy Place by Ron Dunnigan
“A happy guy in a happy place. I like Stone Belt. I work hard in the workshop. Take out the trash when it gets full. Seeing my friends every day. Talking, laughing, and having a great time. The workshop makes me feel good because I always get a paycheck.”
Independent Person by Babette Hall
“I’m glad I’m independent and can do things for myself; I feel that I have freedom. To my friends who have disabilities, you can do anything you put your minds to! To my friends that don’t have disabilities, stand up for what you believe and do things to better yourself.”
I Love You by Tom Brantley
(singing) “I love you, you love me. I hope you enjoy fishing or moving on a pontoon boat. If you do we can go out on the lake and float. I love you, you love me. I see the sun as bright and warm as it can be. If you want you can come out swimming with me. I love you, you love me.”
Memories by Sandy Gaskins
“You will stop limiting yourself because of your disabilities and start to see your true abilities. You will learn to not feel sorry for people…you will feel powerful and will encourage others. To my beautiful Sandy, always stay true to yourself.”
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