[Archived] SARA Program Hosts Reanae McNeal Performance Friday

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For More Information, Contact:
April 18, 2005 Barbara J. Gordon, Public Information Officer, or
PIO 127-05/bg Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

SARA Program Hosts Reanae McNeal Performance Friday

The Alexandria Office on Women's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program is proud to bring back award-winning playwright, performing artist, poet, and storyteller Reanae McNeal for a second performance of her inspirational one-woman show, 'Don't Speak My Mother's Name in Vain' on Friday, April 22, at 7 pm at Minnie Howard Auditorium, 3801 West Braddock Rd.

In this performance, McNeal shares the history of the rape and sexual assault of African American women through eight character sketches, dance, and blues/spiritual song. The characters make the audience laugh, cry, and dance as they tell their stories. Ultimately, McNeal's play is about survival, healing and hope. She says, 'I have learned in my life to realize there are traumatic things that happen, that are really hurtful and painful, but even in the trauma, the hurt and the pain, beauty can be birthed out of that.' One audience member had this to say after McNeal's performance: 'Reanae's stories are empowering for every adult and child who ever had the courage to dream!' Another stated, 'In an hour and a half, Reanae made us laugh, cry, think, and feel. She is an amazingly astute performer with an eye for the universal in the human experience...' Others said that they were 'deeply moved' and that her play was 'a gift.' This is one show you don't want to miss.

Following the performance, there will be a reception to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the SARA program. Tickets are still available, and may be purchased for $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Office on Women 703.838.5030.