United Church of Christ Southbury, in collaboration with S.M.A.R.T., Inc., present
THE ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM SERIES®
BRINGING ISOLATING ISSUES OUT INTO THE OPEN THROUGH HEALTHY DIALOGUE
Theatre & Guided Discussion of Sensitive Topics
Tuesday, December 6th ♦ 7-9 PM
at UCC Southbury, CT
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ~ IN PERSON & ONLINE
The Elephant-in-the-Room Series® presents play readings and community conversations about topics that we often feel uncomfortable discussing. In the current climate of alienation and miscommunication, these guided conversations bring challenging issues out of the shadows and into the open. The hope for this series is to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages transformational discussions between individuals.
The second theatre event in this trilogy focuses on the complex topic of substance misuse & its effect on family dynamic. Following the filmed play reading of A Wider Circle, a facilitated audience discussion will give community members the opportunity to explore the sometimes uncomfortable topic of substance misuse, and will encourage honest conversations about our hidden "elephants.”
Gently guiding the discussion will be a panel of passionate individuals including:
Tim Barretto from New Hampshire Theatre Project (NHTP)
Marissa Primiano - Co Chairperson of SMART, Inc & person in sustained recovery
Jason Gray, LADC - local Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor, community activist & Region 15 parent
Roy Miserendino, MA, CASAC - Substance Abuse Counselor for 30+ years & recovering alcoholic
Film showing & guided discussion will be held in the sanctuary of the United Church of Christ Southbury (283 Main St North).
For those who cannot attend in-person, you can register to attend virtually via ZOOM.
Funding for this program has been provided by a
The Elephant-in-the-Room Series® is a flagship program of New Hampshire Theatre Project, based in Portsmouth NH, and won the NH Governor’s Award for Arts in Health in 2021. Created in 2017, the Elephant-in-the-Room Series® consists of play readings or films, followed by guided panel presentations, and then facilitated discussions to bring forward topics we often avoid talking about in public. Each carefully curated play reading and discussion focuses on the variety of perspectives, as well as past and present attitudes about the multiple issues involved with a specific topic, and how we can bring these topics out of the shadows and into the cultural mainstream. Public health issues addressed by the Elephant-in-theRoom Series® have included substance misuse disorder and families, suicide and self-harm, human trafficking,mental health, school violence, eating disorders, attitudes toward death and dying, and issues around diversity and inclusion. In the current climate of alienation, polarization and miscommunication, these compelling events use live theatre to create a safe environment to encourage transformational conversations and community development.
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